Unsigned senior’s highlight video goes viral

He never thought it would go viral.

This 5’10” Senior has 4 highlight videos on YouTube. One of them has over 1.18 million views. Senior Evan McCarthy has become recognized as one of Texas’ best unsigned seniors, and is a key player to stop in the opponent’s game plan.

Evan, also known as “McBuckets” McCarthy was a junior at Mansfield High School when his Ballislife video was posted.

Mansfield was up against Bowie high school and their Sophomore Phenom Cade Cunningham. While recording the game, Brad Hensley, the videographer for Ballislife, realized that Evan was having an amazing game and created Evan’s own personal highlight tape from the game.

“After not making it to the playoffs my junior year, and having a talk with Coach [Richie] Alfred, I decided it was time to make a change that would better prepare myself for collegiate basketball so I came to Grace and everything has been great!” said McCarthy.

Although it’s only his first year attending Grace, McCarthy has quickly become a familiar face around school.

Now the Grace Prep Boys Basketball team is off to a 30-2 start. They are 1st in district, and ranked 1st in TAPPS 4A. No pressure, but they seem to be on the path back to the state championship after losing in a close one at the state finals last season.

“McBucket’s” quick feet, leadership as the team’s shooting guard, deep three pointers, and his electrifying dunks never cease to wow the crowd. When the ball is in Evan’s hands everyone is on their feet shouting “THREE’S PLEASE!”

Evan credits the Grace Prep fans for all the energy on the court, so why go to YouTube when you’ve got the real-deal showing out every Tuesday and Friday night here at Grace?

“I love to feed off of the fan’s energy; I feel like I play better in the big moments when the crowd is going crazy,” said Evan.

Who could forget the thrilling 2017-’18 basketball season when the Lions took us all the way to the state finals?

With the addition of this senior sensation, along with talented Seniors Myles McCrary, Lundyn Ellison, Trey Jordan and Nate Crosier, Grace Prep basketball could be on the road to state again.

Evan credits his teammates and their chemistry on and off the court for their success.

Evan is new to the school but not to some of the players on the team.

“I used to play youth ball with Evan in sixth grade, and I think that’s why our chemistry on the court is good,” said Senior Myles McCrary.

“The players and coaches on this team have built a great relationship,” notes Evan. “We love to joke around with each other off the court. This keeps us humble and helps deal with the pressures on and off the court. We don’t get caught up in rankings or negative talk about us, as a team, we stay focused and we are just in a zone.”

His teammates and coaches agree that the team is full of chemistry and determination that will help them move forward.

“Evan brings leadership to the team as well as a passion for basketball and a determination to win, that has become contagious on our team,” said Head Basketball Coach Richie Alfred.

Senior Nate Crosier has known Evan since they were young kids.

“Evan is one of the best players I’ve ever played with,” said Crosier. “And he’s my friend.”

Evan elaborates on what fans can expect while watching Grace Prep this season.

“You can expect a lot of highlights every time you watch us play… there will be plenty of threes, dunks, and lots of energy!” said a determined Evan.     

Volleyball State Championship…check! Cheerleading State Championship… check! Let’s see what is next for this team and YouTube star.