PHS Dark Horse Matt Hales

Sweat, desire and dedication are just a few of the attributes you have to have to be on the Payson High basketball team. One dream, one team, one desire, to get that state championship trophy. All of the boys are extremely dedicated, we can see that when they step on the court, but who is that one player that stands out? That player that even at the worst times still seems to give it his all and fight until the very end? That player that always seems to have a positive attitude on, and off the court. I’ve been asking around and there is no doubt that this month’s dark horse is Matt Hales.

A dark horse is to someone who works hard. He is someone who is dedicated and determined. He never gives up, even at the worst of times. He won’t take no for an answer. He knows how to have fun, but also knows how to buckle down under pressure. He knows his sport, he lives it, and he loves it.  When talking to Matt’s teammates, they agreed that Matt is that key Player.

“Matt does a lot of good stuff. He’s a good rebounder and he’s good on defense and he can score from pretty much wherever he wants. I think he’s the best rebounder on the team.” said teammate Dallin Rowley.

As we can see on the court, Matt does almost everything well. He keeps his head in the game, makes his shots, and plays excellent defense, so how does he get pumped up to play in the games? What does he do before to make sure he is pumped up and prepared for his opponent?

“I do get nervous before and in the games. Sometimes I listen to music with Brycen and Jordan in Brycen’s car to get pumped up. Sometimes I just run around the locker room.” said Hales

Seeing Matt’s talent on the court, we all know he must have gotten his talent somewhere, so where did it come from, where did he get his start, and who motivated him to play?

“I started playing in first grade. All of my older brothers had played and I thought it would be fun to play so that’s kind of where I got my start.” said Hales

Not only do Matt’s teammates think he is a great ball player, he also has Coach Lunt on his good side. When asking Coach Lunt about Matt he couldn’t help but smile.

“What do I think about Matt Hales?” exclaimed Lunt with a smile “Well, I think Matt plays hard and does a great job rebounding for us. He’s just a hard nose kid.”

So who is Matt Hales? He’s the driven dark horse of the Payson Boys Basketball team and over all just a great kid. Make sure you go and watch him and the other boys dominate the court this season.