Second-leading scorer, 3-point shooter returns

Purdy Boys Basketball Coach Brad Stewart said heading into the new season, his team is focused on building from last year’s 15-11 campaign and the experience gained by returning players.

“I was very fortunate to have such a great group of four seniors my first year at Purdy,” Stewart said. “We lost a lot in our great group of seniors, but this is a great group of hardworking players who play well together. We will not have great size but should be a really quick team that can score from every position and should have excellent depth.”

Stewart said senior guard Damon Mahurin will help lead the way this season.

“Damon was our second leading scorer,” Stewart said. “He tied with [graduate] Carter Keeling as our top three-point shooter. Damon should be a leader for us this season.”

Junior Hunter Wormington will be an important presence in the paint.

“Hunter was our first post off the bench,” Stewart said. “He is expanding his game to be both an inside and outside threat while being our best inside defender.”

Wormington said as far as strengths this season, teamwork is is paramount.

“We will be balanced on offense, with teamwork being the key,” Wormington said. “Defense will be the key to our success.”

Stewart said sophomore Daniel Aldaba will step into a key role at point guard.

“Daniel most likely will be our starting point guard,” Stewart said. “Daniel has great poise and sees the court really well. He was our first guard off the bench last year.”

Senior Simon Walker will also provide experience and size in the post.

“Simon has a nice shooting touch,” Stewart said. “He played well this summer as our five man.”

Walker, a team captain, said the team’s mindset will focus on defense and unselfish play.

“Our defense will be what defines us,” Walker said. “Offensively, team play will be the key. I’m confident through hard work we will be successful this season.”

Several younger players will also look to take on larger roles this season.

“Grady Mahurin had a great summer and was our leading scorer on JV,” Stewart said. “He is in line to start this season and should provide a lot both offensively and defensively. Jackson Lee is one of our quickest players and an excellent shooter. He hit some big shots last year and should challenge for an even bigger role this year.”

Another contributor, Jayden Griffis started as JV point guard.

“He is really quick with a great burst to the rim and will definitely be in the rotation this year,” Stewart said.

A number of newcomers could also make an impact.

“Charles Barnes is a long, athletic four man with a really high ceiling,” Stewart said. “Logan Manwarren is quick and will definitely push the pace both in games and practice. Alex Stubblefield is a firstyear player we are excited to work with on developing his game. Dalton Redshaw is our top post player coming up from junior high, and Waylon Tyson is a talented point guard of the future.”

Stewart said the Eagles’ conference race — with Blue Eye, Galena and Southwest — will be competitive again this year.

Purdy starts the season on Nov. 22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic. The home opener is on Dec. 11 against Thomas Jefferson.