Remember in “Hoosiers” the way the coach played by Gene Hackman drilled his players on fundamentals? McAdams boys coach Carl Hathorn has taken a page out of that script this summer.
“Instead of playing games the way we normally do, we're in the gym working on fundamentals,” he said. “We're doing fundamental things like playing defense, boxing out and dribbling skills.”
There are no scrimmages with other schools. “If we can compete among ourselves and beat each other, then I feel we can be competitive with anyone else.”
Among the players Hathorn is counting on this season is Jaylan Peteet, who played for the Bulldogs as a freshman two years ago, but missed all of last season due to a knee injury suffered in football. “We hoped he could return for the playoffs. But I felt like we were strong enough that we could do without him and not risk hurting his knee,” Hathorn said,
In practices, Hathorn noted that Peteet, a swingman, is attacking the basket. “He has a stocky build, so I'm using him on the inside. But he still has his outside shot. Sometimes he favors the knee, but he's doing fine as far as I can see.”
Jmichael Martin was a part time starter in the backcourt as a junior last season. “I see him as a leader this year. He's hitting his outside shot a lot better,” Hathorn said.
Another player figuring in the team's plans is Deon Walkins, a swingman who will be a senior.
“Deon had some discipline problems last year,” Hathorn said. “He's turned this around and I'm proud of him for turning it around. I see him as a leader. He's done everything I've asked of him.”
Normally, summer basketball ends at the end of June for McAdams. “But I'm going to extend it into July,” Hathorn said. “We need to get back to playing basketball instead of just shooting three-point shots.”
McAdams won Region 5-1A last season and reached the third round of the MHSAA playoffs. The Bulldogs will again be in Region 5 with Ethel, French Camp, Nanih Waiya, Noxapater and West Lowndes.
