Forest defends home court, beats Wildwood 68-44

Forest’s Naylan Rhem (13) dunks on Wildwood during a game at Forest High School in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Home » News

Posted January 7, 2022 | By Joel Bronson

joel@ocalagazette.com

The Forest boys’ basketball team was able to fend off visiting Wildwood Friday night, defending their home court by a score of 68-44.

Forest started the game off quick with a dominating 22-6 first quarter and didn’t let up in the second. Forest would lead by 14 at the halftime break.

A 13-5 run would put Forest well ahead in the third quarter with a score of 56-30 to begin the fourth.

Junior center Neylan Rhem had an outstanding game for Forest punctuated by two huge dunks. Rhem finished the contest with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot.

Forest senior forward Brandon Baxley would tally 11 points in the win, while sophomore point guard Xzavion McCoy would score seven and pocket three steals.

Wildwood junior guard Zechariah Poyser would continue his steady season with 16 points and three rebounds in the loss.

Forest head coach Mike Hoffmann was pleased with his team’s effort in the home win.

“We have talked for a while about executing on both ends and most importantly playing well overall,” Hoffmann said. “Tonight we did that.”

Hoffmann was also pleased with the home turnout.

“Friday night home games are the best. We had a good crowd and we’re happy to show them a good product.”

Wildwood moves to 5-9 with the loss and will host The Villages on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

With the win, Forest moves to 11-5 on the season and will host Dunnellon on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.