Oklahoma 2A boys basketball championship: Sophomore Dayton Forsythe helps rally Dale past archrival Cashion

By Ross Lovelace

OKLAHOMA CITY - From the time the Class 2A state tournament brackets came out, it was a possibility that Dale might face Cashion for the title.

The bitter rivals split the season series, making a rubber match for the championship even more entertaining. 

In a game that came down to the very last second, Dale came from behind to win, 65-58, Saturday night at State Fair Arena behind a legendary performance from sophomore Dayton Forsythe.

"We knew that we were ready even though people doubted because of our age," said Forsythe.

In the first quarter, Cashion came out red hot and attacked Dale on the offensive end. The attack was led by Jonah Jenkins, who had seven first-quarter points.

Forsythe had one of the highlights of the evening, as he caught the ball mid-air coming off of a screen and soared in for the alley-oop slam.

Despite the electric high-flying play, Cashion was on top, 19-16, after a hotly contested opening quarter.

In the second quarter, Forsythe notched a few more buckets while the Pirates received extra offense from Deken Jones. To end the half, Jenkins had a strong transition drive off the glass, giving the Wildcats a 28-26 lead heading into the break.

With a minute left in the third quarter, Vance Raney hit a huge triple to make the score 41-39 in favor of the Pirates.

For every Cashion score, it seemed like the Pirates had an answer, though. And that answer was usually Forsythe.

Late in the third quarter, the Wildcats couldn’t stat in front of Forsythe without fouling. The Pirates got in the bonus early, and Forsythe did the rest, finishing 15-of-17 from the line on the game.

With 2:30 left to play, Jenkins hit a deep contested 3-pointer to bring the Wildcats within six. The Wildcats then entered a full-court press, forcing a few turnovers. With 1:09 left, Dale led 60-58.

Forsythe was able to make enough free throws down the stretch to close the door on a Cashion comeback and seal the championship victory for Dale. His 37-point performance will be remembered for a long time.

"We trusted and believed in each other no matter what," said Forsythe. "I can’t take the credit, it was all the great man above that gave me the strength."

Winning state was an experience this young Pirates team will remember forever, and they’ll have a chance to make a few more runs over the coming years.

"I can’t even explain the feeling, but there is nothing better than knowing that everything you’ve worked for paid off," said Forsythe.