Halfway is expecting big things with key players back from last season’s 21-win squad.
“I expect us to build on our success from last year. It was great to be part of a group that accomplished so many things last year,” Halfway coach Ryan Toombs said. “This year’s group has a real chance to take another step in the right direction for Halfway Basketball. We just have to bring it in every practice and compete hard in every game. Our senior leadership is going to be a great thing for our development across the board.”
First-team all-conference senior Hayden McCarthy is the top returning player. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game last year.
“Hayden was already poised for a strong senior season, but the amount of work he has put in has us very excited,” Toombs said. “He’s improved in every aspect of his game, the most impressive being his strength and athleticism. I expect him to shoulder a lot of responsibility as a leader on and off the court.”
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Classmate Ryan Gallivan was also an all-conference honoree last year. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds. 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game last year.
“Ryan is someone who did a ton on offense and defense last year. We lost several significant role players to graduation, so Ryan will have to take steps forward on both ends this year. I’m confident he will do that and have another great year as a senior,” Toombs said.
Senior Jarrett Rovenstine and sophomores Trenton McCarthy and Trey McCarthy are a trio of guards that return and will have expanded roles this year.
Senior Braden Russell will move up from junior varsity this year. Juniors Nehemiah Porter and Cameron Hall along with sophomore Alex Knight will be new players in the program. Freshmen Sloan Gallivan and Avery Brown will step up and have an immediate varsity impact.
Halfway will lean on the strength of its guards this year.
“Our overall guard play should be very strong. We will be able to take care of the ball, attack the rim, create open shots, and put a lot of pressure on opposing teams’ backcourts,” Toombs said. “We will have to use our speed and athleticism to rebound more efficiently, as well as improve on our free throw shooting numbers from last season.”
Halfway opens the season at the Humansville Tournament from Nov. 26 through Dec. 1.
