By Chris Parker
Purdy boys basketball has a new head coach in Brad Stewart. Stewart spent the past 31 years as a head coach at Verona with six as a girls head coach and 25 as a boys head coach.
“After retiring as a teacher I was looking for a coaching opportunity,” Stewart said. “This position came open and I’ve known for years of playing against Purdy that it was a great opportunity.”
He inherits a program coming off a nine-win season but has plenty of talent returning.
Senior Carter Keeling leads the way. He averaged 21.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season.
“Carter’s biggest strength as a player is his ability to score multiple ways posting up, off the dribble, mid-range and from three,” Stewart said. “Carter is looking to continue to grow as a team leader and how he can contribute even more to the team as an all-around player and playmaker. Carter is also very competitive.”
Senior Will Henderson (4.5 ppg, 5 rpg) and Damon Mahurin (5 ppg) also return as starters.
“Will is an excellent stretch-four. I see Will’s role expanding this season. He combines excellent shooting and passing ability. Will is also a leader both on and off the court,” Stewart said. “Damon will be a key to our defense and is an excellent shooter. Damon continued growth as a playmaker will be a key to our success.”
Senior Teagan Manwarren brings great length for Purdy at 6-foot-5. Junior JJ Aguilar will key the defense with great energy. Sophomore Jackson Lee is a quick guard with great instincts and shooting. Freshman Daniel Aldaba is a smart, quick guard who hit big shots in the summer and fits in with the defense. Sophomore Logan Manwarren is another quick guard who runs the court as well as anyone on the court for Purdy. Junior Simon Wlaker is greatly improved and provides depth in the post. Sophomore Hunter Wormington is an athletic post and strong rebounder who could push for starter’s minutes. Senior Jackson Hilburn is a tall and fast post who is constantly working on his game. Freshman Grady Mahurin in an excellent shooter who got valuable playing time this summer.
“Our philosophy is teamwork, defense, rebounding and conditioning are the keys to success,” Stewart said. “Our goal is to have a winning season and compete at a high level for conference and districts.”
Purdy opens the regular season Nov. 23-27 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
