Seven senior boys for new coach at ALAH

By Editor | November 25, 2024 |

By Mike Monahan

ARTHUR – Seven seniors welcome new Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond boys basketball coach Kenny Parks. It is the first time Parks, a 2012 graduate of Mascoutah and 2016 graduate of Rockford University where he played basketball and ran track for the Division III school.

“I think (being head coach for the first time) means I had a lot of great mentors leading me where I am today,” said Parks, who is a math teacher at ALAH high school. “I have definitely matured and learned a lot since I started as a freshman coach eight years ago (at Maroa-Forsyth). I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach my love for the game to this group of Knights at ALAH.”

Parks replaces Brad McGill, who coached the Knights for six years, going 71-88 .447 and resigned last March. He was 18-10 in 2019-20 and won the regular season Lincoln Prairie Conference title in the inaugural season of the LPC. McGill remains a social studies teacher at ALAH high school.

ALAH lost first team all-LPC player Conner Nettles and second team player Jayce Parsons due to graduation, but return Maddix Stirrett and Will Hilligoss among others. Nettles averaged a team-high 13.7 points, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game as well as grabbing 3.6 rebounds per contest. Parsons averaged 11.9 points, a team-high 6.9 rebounds as well as 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

The team has 27 players total including the seven seniors, two juniors, eight sophomores and 10 freshmen.

“It is very encouraging to see these numbers, especially in our freshman class,” said Parks, who coached the junior varsity team at Maroa-Forsyth for the last seven seasons. “It is a testament to the coaches in our youth programs making it fun and competitive for the student-athletes.”

The seven seniors are Ryan Appleby, Carson Augustine, Cal Binion, Nate Hale, Kendall Schrock, Colin Smith and Stirrett. Schrock is the tallest player on the team at 6-3.

The top returning scorer is Hilligoss at 10.2 per game.

When asked how have practices been, especially making the transition to a new coach Parks said, “Practice and watching film are my favorite parts of coaching. I love the breakdown of the game. The players have brought the energy and focus. We are looking forward to our home opener on Tuesday (Nov. 26 against Arthur Christian). “

Last year the Knights went 11-19 overall and 5-6 in the LPC, good for seventh place. ALAH averaged 49.2 points per game, while allowing 58.3 points.

“I think we have built a solid foundation from the summer season,” said Parks of the offense. “Once we can break down the next phases we will really be clicking. My favorite part is the creativity the team has displayed executing concepts. “

Parks said he tries to be himself, but loves coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Danny Hurley and Brad Underwood.

As for the defense Parks said, “We will be a man to man team that is willing to mix it up with zones. Defense can flip momentum quickly in our favor, there’s a reason it’s a focus on every practice plan.”

Parks said he does not believe in set starters that spots are always up for grabs.

The varsity consists of 12 players.

“We are a scrappy defense team that will push in transition and exploit mismatches in halfcourt,” said Parks, who was captain his senior year at Rockford.

Asked if they will be a deep team Parks, who is assisted by Jeremy Hale, who was also assistant last year. Parks said, “I want everyone to play, but that isn’t how each game is going to play out. Our guys know they need to compete every day for minutes.”

The IHSA requires teams to use a new basketball, the Wilson Evo NXT. It replaces the Wilson Evolution and is a shinier basketball.

“ I think they are a little bright, but they bounce pretty good and go in the hoop the same,” said Parks.

The captains, who are selected by committee are Appleby and Hilliogss.

“The seniors know they need to be the ones to set the tone for practice and games,” said Parks. “If they are not ready to go, we are not having a good day.”

Parks played basketball, football, and ran track and cross country in high school. He coached the Maroa-Forsyth girls track team as well as being a football statistician. He earned his masters in educational leadership from Illinois State in 2023.

“We have a list of goals and some of them include to share the basketball, hold teams to certain defensive standards, win the conference tournament and the regular season championship,” said Parks. “We think we have the pieces to be successful, but we have to prove it every day. I love basketball and I am ready to do what it takes to help our team be successful.”

Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond boys basketball roster 2024-25

Name Height Position

Seniors

Ryan Appleby 6-0 G/F

Carson Augustine 6-0 C

Cal Binion 5-11 F

Nate Hale 5-8 G

Kendall Schrock 6-3 F

Colin Smith 6-1 F

Maddix Stirrett 5-9 G/F

Juniors

Will Hilligoss 5-10 G

Kyler Stone 6-3 F

Sophomores

Kody Burdick 6-0 G/F

Coye Grant 5-10 G

Bennon Hutson 5-8 G

Billy Lieb 6-0 F

Cameron McGill 6-0 F

Marcus Otto 5-8 G

Jayden Parsons 6-1 F

Cooper Shoemaker 5-11 G

Freshmen

Anden Berry 5-4 G

Solly Binion 5-6 G

Jonah Burket 5-10 F

Jansen Burnett 5-10 G

Collin Dixon 5-10 F

Blayne Louden 6-0 F

Alex Olivero 6-0 F

Carson Reed 5-9 G

Mace Stirrett 5-9 G/F

Landon Willoughby 5-7 F

Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond 2024-25 boys basketball schedule

(All games start at 6 p.m. with the junior varsity followed by the varsity unless noted)

Dec. 2 Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 3-Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Charleston, 5 p.m.; Dec. 6-Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Watseka, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden, TBD; Dec. 10 TUSCOLA; Dec. 13 at Okaw Valley*; Dec. 14 at Paris (2 p.m. junior varsity followed by varsity); Dec. 17 MONTICELLO; Dec. 23, 27, 28, 30 at Decatur St. Teresa Christmas Tournament, TBA

Jan. 4 LEROY (junior varsity 1 p.m. followed by varsity); Jan. 6 MERIDIAN; Jan. 10 vs. Cerro Gordo/Bement* at Cerro Gordo (varsity, noon, j.v., 7:30 p.m.); Jan. 14 ARGENTA-OREANA*; Jan. 17 ARCOLA*; Jan. 21 at Blue Ridge* (jv 5:30 , followed by varsity); Jan. 24, 28, 30, 31 Lincoln Prairie Conference Tournament at Arcola, TBD

Feb. 4 CUMBERLAND*; Feb. 7 TRI-COUNTY*; Feb. 8 at Mt. Pulaski (7:30 p.m. varsity only); Feb. 11 at Heritage*; Feb. 14 at Sullivan*; Feb. 18 UNITY CHRISTIAN*; Feb. 21 VILLA GROVE*; Feb. 24-Class 2A regional tournament, TBD

*-Lincoln Prairie Conference game

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