BOYS
Coach: Marco Gagliardi
21-22 Record: 18-9
A roster loaded with talented young players is exactly what coach Marco Gagliardi has on tap. However, the Highlanders do have some upperclassmen who are more than capable of contributing to the overall success of the program. “The 2022-23 MacArthur Highlanders have tons of youth on the varsity roster. With two seniors and three juniors in the entire program, the future is bright for the Highlanders. The Highlanders look to get back to the state tourney after missing for the first time in five years in 2022. MacArthur schedule is tough with a lot of top Class 5A opponents, so expect the Highlanders to be battle tested in February and March,” said coach Gagliardi. Anthony Smith (6-4, Sr.) brings tremendous athleticism and desire to the court for the Highlanders. Smith has the potential to be a next level player. Anthony Thomas (5-9, So.) is one of the young guns coach Gagliardi is excited to see on the court this season.
The coaching staff believes Thomas has the potential to averaged near 15 points a game with some games reaching as many as 30 thanks to his elite shooting ability. Javall Coleman (5- 10, So.) has good experience under his belt and is expected to play a larger role this season. “JC is a big-time player on the defensive end of the court for MAC and I expect him to make a jump this year as he takes the starting role as the point guard for the Highlanders,” said coach Gagliardi. Several underclassmen will be called upon for quality minutes, including AJ Vaughn (5-10, So.), Tykhael Taylor (5-10, Fr.), Braxton Klein (6-3, So.), Brennan Malone (6-5, Fr.), Josh Rushing (6-3, Jr.), and Alton Thomas. Boux Delong (5-9, So.) is one of the hardest workers on the team and is a menace on defense. Other players to watch this season include Garrett Herring (5-7, So.), Champ Brewer (5-8, Fr.), Jose Rodriguez (5-8, So.), Kevonte Haliburton (5-8, Jr.), Adam Auston (6-2, Fr.), and Xavier Alcedo (6-0, So.). Assistant coaches are Carlos Chalepah, Maurice Hornton, and Graydon Buhlig.
