By Chris Parker
Fair Play boys basketball has a new head coach in Alex Parke this season. He was an assistant for the team each of the past two seasons.
“I have been involved with the youth programs in Fair Play for over five years, having kids involved in them as well. I’ve also been a member of the community for several years, so I have a relationship with the kids and community and a huge love for the game of basketball,” Parke said.
Two players return with extensive varsity experience in seniors Cooper Alexander and Kegan Anderson.
Parke on Alexander: “From the time Cooper joined our program during his sophomore year until now, no one has shown more growth as a player. He has been one of the hardest workers we’ve had and it’s helped get him to where he is today. We’ll look for him to take on a bigger offensive role, but also on the defensive end where he can guard all five positions and will likely draw the opponent’s toughest matchup.”
Parker on Anderson: “Kegan will look to fill some big shoes this year as he will be the one to get us into our offense and make plays for others. Kegan will also be counted on to carry the scoring load on nights, especially from the outside. He will also be our vocal leader on defense, communicating with his teammates constantly during possessions.”
Alex Frye is the only other returning player who saw varsity action last season.
“Alex is tall, strong, versatile basketball player,” Parke said. “We will look for him to take on a larger offensive role this season with his playmaking and shooting, as well as being a presence down low on the defensive end. Alex has the complete package, and I’m looking for him to make a huge leap in his second year.”
Jackson Stewart (senior), Shain Dooley (senior), Mason Harmon (junior), Will Frye (sophomore), Dallas Hardt (sophomore) and Joey Caudle (sophomore) will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
Overall, it will be a versatile unit that just needs to gain some varsity experience.
“We have a lot of players able to do multiple things, and we can change how we do things based on our opponent,” Parke said. “Only having two players with real varsity experience there will be a lot of learning on the job taking place this year and we will need to hit the ground running.”
Fair Play opens the season Dec. 2-7 at the Humansville Tournament.
“In my eyes what would make this season successful is that we show progress each day and continue getting better as a team as the season progresses,” Parke said. “If we do that we will be successful.”
