Righetti High came out with guns blazing on the basketball court in 2012, and a big tip of the hat goes to forward Ryan McGready, who’s emerged as the Warriors’ version of “Mr. Versatility.”
After 14 games, the 6-foot-4 senior is averaging a double-double at 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, while leading the team to a 12-2 start overall.
“We all play good together, and we’ve been very successful so far,” McGready said. “Me and [guard] Hunter [Walker] have just been coming out hard, and it sets a good example for our team.”
As of press time, the Warriors stood at 2-0 in Pac-7 play. McGready scored 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a 70-45 drubbing of Arroyo Grande. He followed that performance up with 18 points and eight rebounds in a 71-64 win over St. Joseph.
Forced to play close to the basket last season after Walker suffered an injury, McGready has taken his game to the perimeter this season, an experience he says has made him more of an all-around threat.
Righetti head coach Kevin Barbarick called McGready a “great passer” who can play in the key with his back to the basket or on the outside with equal effectiveness.
“He’s kind of our backbone,” Barbarick said. “He’s very good inside the post, he’s got great footwork, and he’s strong. If you play behind him, he’s going to score on you, so he forces teams to have to double him in the post, which creates opportunities for all the other guys.”
Because McGready is so gifted athletically, Barbarick said he’s been able to plug him in at virtually every position on the floor, depending on the opponent.
“Sometimes we even have him bring the ball up against the press when we like the match-up, and he handles that just fine,” Barbarick said. “He’s even played a little point guard for us. That’s hard for the other team to figure out how to guard him.”
For his play in earlier tournaments, McGready has garnered interest from a few colleges, including UC Riverside and UC San Diego. McGready said he’s leaning toward the San Diego area after graduation, but first he’s determined to help guide Righetti to its second league title in three years.
“I just hope the rest of the season is as successful as we have been, and thanks to my coaches and my teammates,” he said.
This article appears in Jan 12-19, 2012.