Top Pirates from Dale vs Byng

High school season is here and on Tuesday it was a small school Pirate showdown. With the Byng Pirates making the short trip north to take on the Dale Pirates. The first half was a back and forth battle, before Dale pulled away with explosive scoring for the 91-59 win.    Leading scorer for the game, Forysthe shook off a slow start but his lofty standards to take control of the game. Strong and decisive as an attacker, got wherever he wanted on the court. Did an outstanding job of either scoring himself, or making the right read to open teammates. As always his motor ran hot, with tough rebounding, sprinting in transition and even a chase down block. There will be some nights where his teammates will be dialed in as shooters and Forsythe will flirt with triple doubles this year.     One of the key figures who need to step up for Dale to win their fifth straight title. Did just that with a barrage of threes and second half scoring to help put the game out of reach. Was a bit up and down in the first half, as he plays fasts on drives. Which can lead to table setting scores but also some turnovers. Still good to see him leverage his size, speed and handles to be a strong on the ball attacker. His ability to help break the press and set up his teammates will be crucial for the Pirates to reach their ceiling.     Foul trouble hampered his second half but the lefty was a bucket when he was on the court. Started off with 15 and foot in scoring, with drives and mid-range. Can get deep and drain turnarounds with ease. Then he got it going with deeper twos and threes. Leans to more of a scoring combo, but had some moments as a passer. With a nasty stepback and overall scoring swagger, Birdshead will make Byng a tough out in Class 4A     The potential has always been there for Meely. Based on Saturday's scrimmages and Tuesday's game, he's starting to really achieve that potential. On both days, he shot it very well from corners threes and in the mid-range. Has a massive wingspan to go along with his height, making him effective around the basket. The junior's first half was limited by foul trouble, but he was a big reason why Dale ran away with it in the second half. Playing disciplined will be key, but the ingredients are there for a breakout junior campaign.     Good athlete, who battled around the basket. Light off his feet, allowing him to grab boards and contest shots. Stepped out and hit the occasional three pointer and made some good passes. Can push it a little off rebounds but still developing as a ballhandler. His light on his feet movements also allows him to defend on the perimeter. Giving him wing potential down the road. If Cooper keeps playing hard and developing his game, could be a gem for a good developmental JuCo.

High school season is here and on Tuesday it was a small school Pirate showdown. With the Byng Pirates making the short trip north to take on the Dale Pirates. The first half was a back and forth battle, before Dale pulled away with explosive scoring for the 91-59 win.