Class 2A boys basketball: Dayton Forsythe unstoppable as Dale routs Pocola for title
Dayton Forsythe held up three fingers toward the Dale faithful as he checked out of the game for the final time.
The gesture indicated that the Pirates had cemented itself in Oklahoma high school sports history. Deafening chants of "three-peat" grew to fill State Fair Arena as the OU signee motioned to hug his younger brother, Denton.
For just the fourth time in Class 2A history, a program claimed three consecutive state championships.
"Going out on a high note like that is something I've dreamed of for my whole life," Forsythe said following Dale's 63-38 win over Pocola in the Class 2A state title game.
Forsythe was unstoppable on Saturday, scoring 36 points and grabbing five rebounds. Pocola's defenders seemed especially stumped when he exploded for 15 points in the fourth quarter.
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Dale kept Pocola at a healthy distance early on as it headed into the locker room at halftime with a five-point lead. However, a 14-3 run in the third quarter created just the amount of separation the Pirates needed to blow their lead wide open.
Heading into the week, Forsythe envied the opportunity to put on a show at the Big House one last time.
"This is the best gym in Oklahoma," Forsythe said. "I know they're moving on from it, but there's nothing like playing here. Winning a title for your hometown that you've been with your whole life — words don't describe it."
Pirates coach Jeff Edmonson cemented his legacy at Dale after leading the program to its first state championship in 2022. He's led the team to a 92-4 record overall the past three seasons.
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Since taking over the gig back in 2007, he has long envisioned having this impact on a community in a way that would change the culture at Dale.
"Winning a state championship was a dream for me back then, so I guess I'm literally living the dream right now," Edmonson said.
"It's crazy to think that I've won three. It's like I'm having an awesome dream, so hopefully, I won't wake up anytime soon. We've been on a mission all year long. Today was a storybook finish for these guys, and we wanted to finish it with a really good chapter."
Dayton Forsythe exits his Dale career as the school's all-time leading scorer with over 2,200 points.
OU commit Dayton Forsythe (@ForsytheDayton) scored 36 points in his final career high school game at Dale to lead the Pirates to its third consecutive 2A state championship.
He exits Dale as the school’s all-time leading scorer along with a 3-Peat. #OKPreps pic.twitter.com/tBLonzVguC— Jordan Davis (@jdavis34_) March 10, 2024
While one Forsythe leaves, another will take over the reins. His younger brother, Denton, is excited to follow in Dayton's footsteps.
While he's grateful that he won two state titles with his older brother, the sophomore says it's bittersweet to think that he'll no longer be taking the court alongside Dayton.
"These last two years have been everything we've dreamed about since we played on a Little Tikes rim," Denton said.
"I've learned so much from him — just how to be a leader and a great overall person. Not being able to play with him will be tough, but I can't wait for next year. I'm ready to see how I evolve and how I'm able to leave my mark on Dale like he did."
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSSAA boys basketball: Dale routs Pocola for third straight title