Carlisle boys basketball started the season 3-1 with victories coming against Gettysburg and Mechanicsburg. They dropped their third game against Hempfield. The Herd rebounded with a huge 62-50 road win against Harrisburg on 12/12.

Though there are some new faces on the court, one goal remains the same: reaching the playoffs. The Herd haven’t reached them since the 2016-17 season, when the team finished with a 21-9 record. 

 “Once you get into the playoffs, you can extend your season,” Coach Andre Anderson said. His message to the team is “to do everything we can to make the playoffs.”

“Throughout the offseason [the team] gelled really well together,” Anderson said. “[Our players] are in the gym every day, they don’t miss anything.” 

Carlisle will look to their seniors Edward Caradine, Ezeekai Thomas, Jaden Pham, Jeremiah Snyder, and Julian Christopher to lead the way.

  Anderson said he’s looking for his seniors to take on a leadership role and be his second set of eyes.  He wants his seniors to “…hold others accountable. If they can achieve that, …good things happen.” 

They also have talented juniors like guard Jaydon Smith, who adds a scoring boost,with  his 6’5 frame makes him a matchup nightmare. Smith was one assist shy of recording a triple double in an upset win against Harrisburg, with a huge 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. 

When asked about his personal goals, Jaydon said “[My goal is] to make 1st team Mid-Penn, and be on an all-state team, [and] to help lead [the Herd] back to the playoffs.” 

Smith has high hopes for the Herd this year, as the group has played together for quite some time now. Smith says, “Our chemistry is looking really good in practice right now,” and the team “ultimately wants to win.” 

Although these past few years have been a struggle, Smith says he is prepared to do whatever it takes to “get Carlisle basketball back on the map.” 

There’s no doubt how much talent and potential this team has. Starting with senior leadership, all the way to athletic under-classmen that can hold their own at the varsity level. Look for the Herd to surprise some teams in the Mid-Penn conference in the 2022-23 season.