Neosho basketball player Zach Forsythe and Thomas Jefferson basketball player Presley Long were named the Zimmer Marketing Male and Female Athletes of the Week for the week ending Jan. 18 brought to you by JL Mobile Truck and Trailer Repair.
Forsythe, a sophomore, was instrumental in Neosho’s 3-0 record for the week. He averaged 16 points and six rebounds a game, including a 22-point, nine-rebound performance against McDonald County to start the week.
“I was really glad our team went 3-0,” Forsythe told Joplin Sports Hub. “We have been battling everyday. My teammates constantly look for me. I was just glad to be a part of the success.”
Long, a senior, had several big performances for the Cavaliers. She had 19 points and five steals against Wheaton before topping that with 21 points, three steals and two rebounds against Southwest. Long capped her week with 14 points, three assists and two steals. She knocked down 10 3-points between the three games.
“Presley has really found her shot and is shooting with confidence,” Thomas Jefferson coach Lyndsey Showalter said. “With her being our primary ball handler and handling the pressure, not only is she letting it fly from beyond the perimeter, but she is creating shots by attacking the rim. It is a great site to see because of her size and the adversity she has overcome to get to this point. This is by far the best shooting stretch of her career.”
Coaches can nominate students for athlete of the week by emailing the athlete’s name and sport along with the stats or accolades to sports@zrimarketing.com.