The Forest Hills boys basketball team has eight players on its roster. None of them are listed taller than 6-foot-3.
Those two facts make it tough for the Tigers to prepare to face a much taller, extremely talented Hyde team in the Western D regional final.
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Fortunately, the Tigers have had some help.
As is tradition at Forest Hills, a number of former players have returned to Jackman this week and participated in practice as the Tigers prepare for their second regional final in four years. No. 2 Forest Hills (17-3) takes on No. 1 Hyde (17-1) at 2:45 p.m. today at the Augusta Civic Center.
“It is understood that if you are in town, you come help us,” Forest Hills coach Anthony Amero said of his alumni. “One of our biggest strengths is our alumni guys.”
Among the players practicing with the Tigers this week were Tim Talpy and Bob Mannix, who both played in 2003, and Dylan McNally, who graduated last year.
A helping hand will come in handy for the Tigers as they prepare to face Hyde. The top-ranked Phoenix are led by 6-foot-3 forward Jonah Alexander, who grabbed 20 rebounds in the regional semifinals, 6-5 forward Warsame Mohamed and 5-7 guard Tyquad Ekejiuba, who had eight assists in the quarterfinals.
“They are big,” Amero said. “Basically, the way we are approaching this is David vs. Goliath.”
Forest Hills is led by forward Evan Worster, who Amero joked is generously listed as 6-3. Worster scored a tournament record 51 points in the Tigers’ regional quarterfinal victory, then had 22 before fouling out in the semifinals against Valley.
He is joined in the lineup by fellow junior Derick Ouellette, who is listed at 6-3, as well as freshmen Brandon Ouellette, Matt Turner and Ryan Petrin.
“We will try to dictate tempo and box out,” Amero said. “If they don’t shoot well and we box out, we feel like we can get them into foul trouble.
“We tell the kids, if you are disciplined and fundamental, you will be rewarded.”
Scott Martin — 621-5618
smartin@centralmaine.com
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