By Chris Parker
Purdy boys basketball is looking to take a big step forward in coach Heath Carmichael’s second season as head coach. The Eagles won six games in his first season.
A trio of senior guards will lead Purdy on the floor. That group includes Bosten Goetz, Zeke Garcia and Jake Young.
Carmichael on Goetz: “Bosten Goetz will be our floor general. He is a kid who has the ability to lead by example first with his work ethic and understanding of what is expected as well as being a vocal leader and keeping us together.
Carmichael on Garcia: “Senior guard/forward Zeke Garcia is another who will be expected to take on a large leadership role with leading by example and with his voice.”
Carmichael on Young: “Jake Young is another senior guard who others look up to and will help lead us by his work ethic. We preach to all of our players.”
Goetz averaged 3.6 points per game last year. Young led the group in scoring a 7.4 ppg. Garcia was just behind him at 4.7 ppg.
Players outside of the senior trio could also step up into leadership roles.
“We preach to all of our players that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader in any and all areas and aspects of the game and practice,” Carmichael said. “Being there for one another and picking each other up and being a great teammate is a huge and consistent daily reminder/focus.”
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Sophomore Carter Keeling will be a key scorer for Purdy this season. He was the team’s leading scorer at 8.5 ppg.
Seniors Travis Hughes and Dax Henry also return. Hughes came off the bench last year bringing shot-making, defense and the ability to finish around the rim. Henry stands at six-foot-eight and brings rim protection.
Gauge Davidson rounds out the returning players. He averaged 3.7 ppg as a sophomore. Sophomore Will Henderson is a high IQ player who saw a lot of action down the stretch last season.
Junior JJ Felipe and senior Lucky Periman are newcomers who could have an impact.
“The biggest strides we have made is hopefully our chemistry and playing with each other,” Carmichael said. “We were able to play 15-20 games this summer as well as getting in the gym putting up a lot of shots. Getting reps with each other and getting more comfortable with our system was a big key with most of our main varsity core returning this season.”
This group brings versatility to the court.
“One of our biggest strengths this year will be our versatility on the defensive end and offensively,” Carmichael said. “We are fairly balanced on the offensive end and have length on the defensive end.”
Purdy is off to a 2-0 start and will play in the Verona Tournament championship game against Wheaton on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
“Our identity this year is that we will be a hard-nosed, blue collared bunch that takes each and every possession with great importance,” Carmichael said. “We will be a group who is disciplined on both sides of the ball and has humility in who we are.”
