Lady Knights win big at Forest

Vanguard’s coach Terrance Lewis works with his players on the bench as they play Forest during a basketball game at Forest High School in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted December 3, 2021 | By Joel Bronson
joel@ocalagazette.com

The Lady Knights proved to be too much for Forest on Friday night, dominating the glass and at the free throw line to win going away 62-36.

The Lady Knights had two players grab ten or more rebounds on the night. Junior Jyla Gunsby grabbed 13 boards and senior forward Makaiya Barksdale snagged ten for the winning squad.

Senior forward Kate Bass grabbed eight rebounds and blocked two shots for Vanguard.

Gunsby also scored 19 points for Vanguard, while senior guard Rain Smith led the team in scoring with 22 points.

Lady Knights head coach Terrance Lewis believes that staying intense is the key to the team’s success moving forward.

“We have to stay consistent and tough,” Lewis said. “I know the type of players we have. They respond well to tough love and we will work them hard in practice.”

Forest junior guard Tyheerah Rushing scored 9 points and grabbed three rebounds, while sophomore guard Taleah Jones shined with 21 points and grabbed 7 boards in the losing effort.

Forest head coach Jessica Dickson praised Jones for her output against Vanguard.

“Taleah started slow, but played well offensively tonight,” Dickson said.

Dickson also bragged about the effort of freshman center Serenity Trapp, who grabbed ten rebounds and logged three steals for the Lady Wildcats.

“Serenity really stepped up and boxed out like we coached her up to do,” Dickson said.

Forest remains winless on the season (0-6) and will travel to Gainesville on Monday where they will take on P.K. Yonge. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

With the win, Vanguard moves to 3-2 on the young season. Up next for the Lady Knights is a road game against Dunnellon on December 6^th. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.