By Chris Parker
Fair Play basketball head basketball coach Alex Parke has a young team with no seniors coming off a five-win campaign. Parke sees the youth as an opportunity.
“What I’m most excited about this season is the opportunity to build something lasting with this group,” Parke said. “We don’t have any seniors, which means we get to grow together and establish a foundation for the future. This team has a great attitude, they work hard, and they’re eager to learn. I’m looking forward to seeing their growth, not just this season, but in the seasons to come.”
The early season will be a learning experience for the team while the Hornets hope to peak in February.
“We return only three players with varsity experience, so we will need to hit the ground running this season,” Parke said. “Every team is unique, and as a coach, I must adjust my approach to fit the strengths of our players. While we will have certain non-negotiables, just as I expect my players to be adaptable, I must be adaptable as well. Our goal is to improve from the very first practice and play our best basketball by the time district play arrives.”
The three returning players are all juniors in Alex Frye (point forward), William Frye (forward/center) and Dallas Hardt (guard).
Parke on Alex Frye: “Alex is a tremendously talented 6’4″ player with all the physical tools to dominate. His size and skill make him a matchup problem on both ends of the floor. This season, we expect him to take on a bigger offensive role with his playmaking and shooting while anchoring our defense inside. Alex has the complete package, and I’m excited to see the big leap he’s poised to make in his junior year.”
Parke on William Frye: “Will is a long, athletic big who can stretch the floor with his smooth jumper or go to work in the post. He has all the tools to be a great player, especially on the defensive end. This season, we’ll count on Will to anchor our defense alongside his twin brother, Alex.”
Parke on Dallas Hardt: “Dallas is a crafty left-handed guard who’s steadily improving his shooting and playmaking. With the players we’ve lost to graduation, we’ll look for him to take a big step forward and embrace a larger role this season.”
The newcomers include Elijah Hanks (freshman), Donald Potter (junior), Conner Akins (sophomore), Brodie Brown (freshman), James Smith (freshman), Atticus Kelsch (freshman) and Vincent Kelsch (freshman).
Parke on Hanks: “Elijah is a quick, dynamic guard who will take on a major defensive role from the start. He’ll also be counted on to help handle the ball and stretch the floor with his jumper.”
Parke on Potter: “Donald will be a key presence in the post this season, and we’re excited to see him develop as a strong defensive force while finishing plays around the basket.”
Parke on Akins: “Conner is a strong, physical forward who will bring toughness and grit to the team this season. We’re looking for him to make a strong impact on defense while continuing to develop his ability to finish around the basket on offense.”
Parke on Brown: “Brodie joins the program this season and, as a shifty guard, is poised to be a key contributor. We’re excited to see the impact his quickness and skill will have on both ends of the floor.”
Parke on Smith: “James is a hard-working player who brings energy and effort every time he steps on the floor. This season, he’ll look to continue improving his fundamentals while contributing on both ends, providing steady effort and a positive presence for the team.”
Parke on Atticus Kelsch: “Atticus is a player who always gives his all and approaches each game with determination. This season, he’ll focus on developing his skills while helping the team in any way he can, whether it’s on defense, moving the ball, or getting involved in the action.”
Parke on Vincent Kelsch: “Vincent is a hard-working forward who brings effort and energy to every play. This season, he’ll focus on contributing on defense and working to finish around the basket, helping the team in any way he can.”
Parke sees several strengths this team brings to the table.
“Our team’s biggest strength this season is our combination of size, unselfishness, and commitment to growth,” Parke said. “We have a strong presence inside that we plan to use to our advantage, but what truly sets this group apart is how well they play together. The players take pride in making the extra pass, working for great shots, and pushing each other to get better every day. Their willingness to put the team first and focus on daily improvement gives us a solid foundation to build on as the season goes along.”
Fair Play opens the regular season Dec. 1-6 at the Humansville Tournament.
“With a mix of experience and inexperience on the roster, our biggest areas of improvement will come from learning to play together and establishing consistency,” Parke said. “We’ll focus on communication, execution, and attention to detail on both ends of the floor. As our younger players gain confidence and our returners take on leadership roles, we expect to grow each week and be playing our best basketball towards the end of the season.”
