By Chris Parker
Halfway boys basketball will look to take a big step forward coming off a six-win season.
“After a six-win season, we want to flip our record and just give ourselves a chance to win every night we play,” Halfway head coach Eric Ingram said. “We are still young but hungry to compete in the PCL which is a good small school conference with multiple good teams and see if we can put it together at the end of the season and compete deep into the district tourney.”
A trio of juniors entering their third seasons as starters return to lead the Cardinals. That trio includes Zach Laney, Brayden Doke and Isaac Ingram.
Laney averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in his sophomore season.
“He (Laney) is a versatile player who can shoot as well as get to the rim,” Coach Ingram said. “Zach will be looked upon to be one of our team leaders on both ends of the floor. He has a good basketball IQ and awareness on the court. We look for Zach to have a great year.”
Doke contributed 3 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
“Brayden Doke will be asked to do a lot of things on both ends of the floor in the paint,” Coach Ingram said. “Brayden is strong and physical. We will need him to help control the boards and the interior this season.”
Ingram scored 6 points per game while pulling down 2.5 rebounds and handing out 2.5 assists per game.
“Isaac Ingram has been the starting point guard for the last two seasons,” Coach Ingram said. “Isaac’s season ended early last year with a torn meniscus over Christmas break. Isaac has great floor vision and helps control the tempo we want. He is our best on ball defender and will draw guarding the other team’s best guard a lot of time.”
Sophomore Maddux McCarthy is the leading returning scorer for Halfway. He averaged 11.5 points to go with 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season.
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“Maddux McCarthy spent time in the starting lineup as a freshman and is a very talented guard who can shoot and also get to the rim,” Coach Ingram said. “He has the ability to take you to the rim off the dribble but also has nice touch from the outside. He had a good freshman year on the varsity level. We look for him to have a breakout season in his sophomore campaign.”
Sophomores Shane Gallivan and Hayden Stafford along with juniors Jaden Turner and Peyton Timmerman will look for varsity time.
Coach Ingram on Gallivan: “Shane Gallivan spent time in the starting rotation as a freshman and has tremendously improved his game. Shane has developed into a good shooter and will continue to get better. He has good floor presence and understands the game. Shane is a gritty defender and willing to sacrifice his body for the team.”
Coach Ingram on Stafford: “Hayden Stafford saw some floor time as a freshman last season. He is a quick athletic guard. He is improving in all aspects of the game. Hayden will be one of our more physical guards on both ends.”
Coach Ingram on Turner: “Jaden Turner is a guard who has seen limited varsity action. Jaden has had a good off season and improved his game. He will be in the mix fighting for floor time. He has good bounce off the floor and could be a big help on the boards.”
Coach Ingram on Timmerman: “Peyton Timmerman will have the chance to work into the rotation and could help us out in the paint and on the boards as a physical player.”
Michael Carter and Cole Allen will both look to make a varsity impact as well.
This year’s version of Halfway boys basketball brings speed and athleticism, which is something Coach Ingram wants to exploit.
“We want to play fast on both ends of the floor, and I think we have the guys to get that done,” Coach Ingram said. “We have multiple guys that can get to the rim and multiple guys that can shoot to go along with our speed. These guys have been winners and know what it takes. Many of these guys play baseball for me as well and after a run to the district title game and having a rough go last season, they have worked very hard to get ready for this season and get this program back where we want it.”
Halfway opens the regular season at the Humansville Tournament Nov. 27 through Dec. 2.
