By Chris Parker
Halfway boys basketball posted a 23-5 record last season.
This year, the Cardinals will look to make a run at a district title with key players returning.
Maddox McCarthy returns for his senior season after earning Polk County League Player of the Year honors last season.
“He works hard on both ends,” Halfway head coach Eric Ingram said. “He will guard the other team’s best player often and then still produce on the offensive end of the floor. He can get to the rim in various ways and can also hit the mid-range and deep ball. He is always in attack mode when he has the ball.”
McCarthy averaged 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season. He will play all over the court.
“He has good skill at all positions,” Ingram said. “In the district semis last season, he was struggling against a zone from the perimeter in the first half having five points at half. We moved him inside and he ended the night with 25.”
Shane Gallivan also returns for his senior season after earning all-conference and all-district honors. He averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
“He is a very good shooter and has really improved his game to play in the paint as well,” Ingram said.
McCarthy and Gallivan will be key leaders.
“McCarthy and Shane are doing a good job of including everyone and passing down skills that they have learned to underclassmen,” Ingram said.
Sophomores Jackon Fisher (guard), Colb Maggard (forward) and Tucker Horn (forward) will be looked to for big varsity minutes.
“Jackson will be looked at helping handle the ball and score some,” Ingram said. “Colby is a strong physical presence that we will need on both ends of the floor in our interior. Tucker is a gritty player willing to do whatever is asked and always plays hard.”
Juniors Jayse Smith and Owen Stock will be in the mix as well.
“Jayse can shoot it and will look for him to get minutes as a guard and try to get him shots,” Ingram said. “Owen is a transfer and has a good skillset. He can shoot as well as get to the rim.”
Senior Graham Hensley, sophomore Wyatt Walters along with freshmen Kedis Smith and Elijah Martinez will have chances to see playing time as well.
Effort and improved defense and communication will be key for Halfway.
“We have two first team all-conference players returning but after that we have very little varsity experience. We will give great effort every night,” Ingram said. “We lost two all-conference defenders from graduation. We will work very hard to stabilize our defense as well as increase our on-court communication.”
Halfway opens the season on Nov. 21 at home against Niangua.
“As with every season, we want to work hard every day and compete,” Ingram said. “As youthful as we are, I hope to see us continue to improve every day throughout the season and at the end give ourselves a chance to win ballgames.”
