by Jared Sandler, Staff Writer

The Greenhill Hornets, 10-2-3 (5-2-1 in SPC) have found a winning—and dominant—goalkeeper combination in senior Matt McCrary and junior William Davis.

Matt, the incumbent starting goalkeeper on last year’s Southwest Prepartory Conference (SPC) Championship team, sets the tone in the first half, spelled by William, who takes care of business in the second half.

When an individual plays in a program with a rich winning tradition, personal interests naturally get sacrificed for the betterment of the team and its high standards.

Instead of complaining about a decrease in playing time from last season in order to give Willam more game experience, Matt’s acceptance of his role has allowed for him and William to forge a strong, supportive relationship.

“I obviously want to play, but I also want to do what’s best for the team,” Matt said. “As long as we are winning with William and I in goal, which we are, I have no problems.”

And neither should the Hornets. Mark Crotty, assistant coach, who spends considerable time working with the goalies, considers Matt and William the two best in the conference, and believes freshman Michael Sheinfeld is not too far behind.

“I really enjoy working with [Matt and William],” Coach Crotty said. “I never have to question their effort, and they know when they make mistakes and how to fix them.”

While the duo’s team-first attitudes are very similar, their playing styles are not. But it is these differences that allow them to learn from one another.

“[Matt]’s intensity and focus have taught me how to better prepare myself for games,” William said.

“I am a little more loose and I have helped him stay more relaxed before and during games.”
Head coach Dick Hall, who has won 15 SPC championships and more than 500 games in his career, notices complements in their play.

“Matt’s physical size makes him very good at defending ‘air balls,’” Coach Hall said. “William’s a little quicker and is better at balls lower to the ground.”

While their strengths are put on display, opponents have yet to exploit any weaknesses, as, together, Matt and William anchor a Hornet defense that has only surrendered nine goals in 15 contests.

Their early season success has also created chemistry among a young defensive group that features three new starters.

“Both goalies’ success has given us confidence as a unit,” said Billy Chapman, a junior and the lone returning starter on defense. “Ultimately, however, if we do our job, it shouldn’t matter who’s back [at goalie].”

It also helps when the team’s offensive attack is just as strong, averaging just fewer than four goals per game.
When asked if the split in playing time would remain throughout the Hornets’ tough conference schedule, Hall foreshadowed some possible changes.

“If I feel that we have control of the game by halftime, William will play the second half,” Hall said. “But if there is ever any doubt we will stick with Matt. As a senior and last year’s returning starter, he deserves to get the nod and his play has backed that up.”

The Hornets are looking to defend their title and bring home the school’s 16th SPC Championship in Houston on Feb. 9-10.