As the Parkway South boys basketball team starts another season, the emphasis is on building a sustained culture of teamwork, accountability, and community, according to Coach Ryan McArthy.
McArthy was a Parkway South player himself, and he said he realizes the special bond the program has with its followers.
“I think I realized that when I was playing here, there’s a lot of people that care about Parkway South boys basketball,” he said. “There are a lot of great relationships from playing and coaching in the community. It’s a special opportunity for me, and I don’t take it for granted.”
For McArthy, success starts with the intangibles: attitude and effort.
“Building a culture is important because you can’t always control everything, but you can control your habits, your consistency, and your connection with each other,” he said. “If you go about things the right way, I believe the hard work will pay off.”
Team chemistry, according to junior guard Tyler Shanfeld, is about communication.
“We need to talk a lot on and off the court, have team meetings, and bond at people’s houses,” he said.
So far, the togetherness emphasis is already paying off, as players like Shanfeld feel the team is more together now than last year.
“It’s not just a one-man show. We work together,” Shanfeld said.
Parkway South´s newest transfer Noah Barnes brought a new level of basketball with him. Barnes leads the team in points with 240 in their first 10 games (6-4) averaging 24 ppg.
¨I am definitely blessed but that is not the goal I’m going for,¨ said Barnes.¨The goal is to lead my team to as many wins as we can and just to improve the basketball program after the rough season last year¨.
Barnes praises junior forward/center Jacob Sidwell for the jump in success he has seen since last season.
¨I think Jacob is a key part of this team, he has been there for the ups and downs and I think he will be very successful this year,¨ said Barnes.
¨He keeps us going, when he is on we are hard the team to beat,¨ Barnes said.
Sidwell leads the team in rebounds averaging north of 4 per game. And it’s not just defense Sidwell is dominating in he´s also having a breakout year on the other side of the ball. Sidwell is averaging 11.2 points per game compared to .8 ppg last year.
For many players, basketball represents something more than competition; it is an opportunity for personal growth.
“It gives me a way to let my emotions out and get my mind off things,” Swinton said.
Similarly, senior guard Preston Cruz said. “It keeps me motivated every day and gives me a purpose in life.¨
