Meet the Lady Bulldogs

Photos by Michelle Carney, Banners by Michelle and Monte Walker—Howe Athletic Booster Club

they have installed approximately 10.

Even being new to the staff, Forsythe said he had a good sense of where they would be with the talent that was on the roster. He said we watched a lot of film on the players from last season.

“Zack Defrange is coming along really well which we’re going to need him to with his size (6’-5”),” said Forsythe who said he’s challenging him to get tougher in the paint and use his height to an advantage.” He also thinks Taylor playing football for the first time in several years has contributed to his aggressiveness.

“We had hoped to see that. Last night (in the scrimmage) we actually saw him scrapping,” said Forsythe who then joked that he had to tell him to calm down a little.

He was pleased with the play of Fabacher in the scrimmage and what he brings to the floor. He’s also hopeful 4-year letterman Noah Campbell will continue to bring his talents to the court and be a positive influence on the younger players.

But when it came to the steady foundation of the now and future, he quickly pivoted to sophomore Austin Haley who will run the point guard position.

“He’s a 40-year-old man in a sophomore body,” said Forsythe. “He knows how to control everything.” While Haley is scheduled to be the point guard, Forsythe has been impressed with the play of freshman Jacob Campbell and his ballhandling abilities.

Forsythe said he wants to ease Campbell into varsity action because of the psychological affect it could have on a young talented player that could only play three minutes in a game or even bounce between varsity and junior varsity.

“It’s easier to push the gas on him than it is to pull it off,” said Forsythe who then said if Jacob Campbell listens to him, he could have an opportunity to play basketball in college at some level. I don’t want to mess him up and setting him back by putting him in the wrong place to begin with. But I was really impressed with some of the stuff he did last night.” Forsythe has watched a lot of film of district teams during the summer and thinks Howe has a fair shot to compete.

Freshman Jacob Campbell could see

varsity action in 2020-2021.

way he would put that kind of pressure on a team that went 2-10 in district play a year ago. “I think we will be able to compete night in, night out.” COVID has already reared its ugly head before the season has even begun.

“We’re lucky to be playing,” said Forsythe. “Back in North Carolina public schools are not playing yet and they only have a 14-game schedule. They actually have to play with mask on in the game. We’re just blessed to get to play and hopefully we don’t have any more setbacks than what we’ve already had.” The Bulldogs have had only six coaches in the last 30 seasons; however Forsythe is the fourth in the last seven seasons. After a 23 -year run by Tim Rose as head coach, Howe has been led by Tim Short for three seasons, Eric Johns for two seasons, and Mike Segleski a year ago.

The season is scheduled to begin at Lindsay tomorrow night where Howe won a year ago.

HHS Varsity Basketball Head Coaches

Jay Forsythe, 2020- Mike Segleski, 2019-2020 Eric Johns, 2017-2019 Tim Short, 2014-2017 Tim Rose, 1991-2014 Billy Hill, 1987-1991 John Burkhart, 1985-1987 Scott Gaiser, 1984-1985 Vernon Richardson, 1980-1984 Alan Atchison, 1978-1980 Dewey Sims, 1977-1978 Rickie Clements, 1974-1977 Tommy Skipworth, 1967-1974 Curtis Allen, 1966-1967 Norman Dickey, 1964-1966 Eldon Ray, 1962-1964 Curtis Christian, 1960-1962 Arthur Boyle, 1955-1960 Jack Hollensed, 1950-1955 George Matlock, 1948-1950 E.G. “Jack” Osborn, 1946-1948 John B. Lair, 1945-1946 Alfred Clayton, 1943-1945 Leslie Walden, 1938-1939