SIR DUKE: Hun School boys’ basketball player Fergus Duke lofts a jumper in a game this season. Sparked by senior guard Duke’s clutch play and leadership, Hun went 20-6 this season and won the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) title.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

For the Hun School boys’ basketball team, the Peddie School gym became its home away from home this winter.

Between three tournaments and a regular season appearance, Hun ended up playing eight contests this season at Peddie, more games than it played in its own gym.

The Raiders prospered in Hightstown, winning seven of those eight games, including an inspiring run to the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) title.

In its final game at the gym, Hun topped Peddie 65-53 in the state Prep A semis, producing a performance that exemplified the Raiders’ outstanding campaign.

“I think we came out and we struggled a little bit early; I think we were lethargic after the MAPL,” said Hun head coach Jon Stone reflecting on the February 13 contest.

“It is hard to play a team a few days after you have already beaten them. We battled through it. We took a two-point lead at halftime, which was big since we didn’t play too well. We had a good stretch in the third quarter; we got it going. We were balanced on offense and got contributions from everyone who came in; that was the story of our season.”

The Hun season ended three days later when it fell to eventual champion St. Benedict’s 65-37 in the Prep A semis. “We were down 6-0 and battled back; we were ahead 16-15 after one,” recalled Stone.

“We really struggled in the second and third quarter. We had trouble defensively with their fast break. They were getting easy shots. It was unfortunate; we didn’t play as well as we have been. I think we were a little bit tired and they are a very good team.”

Notwithstanding that setback it was a very good season for Hun, which posted a final record of 20-6.

“Those two things, a 20-win season and a MAPL title stand out,” said Stone.

“We showed resolve and mental toughness; we showed the ability to win a lot of close games. We were down 11 points in the 4th quarter against Hill in the MAPL opener and won. We were down 13 points at halftime to Notre Dame, came back, and won. Those two games stick out.”

Another thing that will stick out for Stone when looking back at this season was the team’s upbeat mentality.

“It was a great group of kids, they listened, learned, and were accountable,” said Stone. “Some of our most fun practices were our hardest. Our chemistry was excellent on and off the court. You see that with good teams.”

The Raiders boasted some good chemistry in the backcourt with its pair of seniors, Fergus Duke (11.8 points and 2.6 assists a game) and Princeton-bound Hashim Moore (8.7 points, 2.4 assists, 5.9 rebounds).

“We had six games in a row where we had a lead and lost it and Fergus had a flurry and we were back up,” said Stone, noting that both Duke and Moore were first-team All-MAPL picks.

“He hit big shot after big shot. He made a lot of big plays on the defensive end as well. He blossomed into a great leader. Hashim had the ability to control a game even when he wasn’t scoring. His big hands got many a loose ball or steal. He is an exceptional passer; he has the ability to see the floor. I think half of Fergus’s baskets came on assists by Hashim; they were a great combination.”

The combination of 6’7 senior Grant MacKay (7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2-0 assists) and 6’6 classmate Jake Newman (7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds) gave Hun an inside-out punch.

“Down the stretch, Grant played as well as anybody,” asserted Stone. “He made honorable mention All-MAPL. He worked hard; he shot 45 percent from 3-point range. He has the ability to stuff the stat sheet, getting rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. Newman didn’t shoot the ball as well down the stretch as he did earlier but he really handled the ball well. He was defending guards, his length and quickness made it tough on them. He is a smart player.”

With the quartet of Josh McGilvray (7.2 points, 3.6 rebounds), Michael Bourke (5.8 points), Jason Geter (2.0 points, 2.5 rebounds), and David Li (2.7 points, 1.2 rebounds) slated to return, Hun should be plenty tough next season as well.

“We are excited to have four of our top eight back; McGilvray really developed into a good big man,” said Stone.

“We played better when he was in the starting lineup. He is very unselfish, and has the ability to change shots. Bourke was playing his best ball at the end of the season; he developed nicely. Geter is our glue guy. He make plays at both ends of the floor; he is the kind of guy that every team needs. Li gives us energy. When he makes a play, everyone is happy, the crowd, the guys on the bench and the coaching staff. He is a real presence for us. We lose a lot of scoring but if the younger guys develop and we get a couple of new players we should be right up there again.”