January 2024 | Vol. 24 Iss. 1
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UNSUNG HERO BIG PART OF ALTA BASKETBALL TEAM’S SUCCESS FOUR YEARS REMOVED FROM LIFESAVING SURGERY By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
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n a team with star power, it’s important to have steady role players too. The Alta boys basketball team might not be where it is now without the consistent play of senior Carter Goodfellow. The Hawks are the defending Class 5A champions, having amassed a record of 24-4 last year. Alta won its first six games of 2023-24, with headline players Jaxon Johnson (a University of Utah commit), Ace Reiser, Dash Reiser and Carter Doleac leading the way. But Goodfellow has been an integral part of the team. The guard is averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds a game, adding support to his teammates as Alta seeks to repeat as state champions. Goodfellow’s attitude and efforts typify what the Hawks stand for as a group. “The best thing about playing for Alta is the brotherhood of our team,” he said. “We are one big family at Alta, and we always look out for each other on and off the court. We have very talented players that all buy in to the team’s success over their own individual success. We don’t care about averaging big numbers; all we care about is winning. We have created a winning culture at Alta which is huge since we haven’t been known for that in years past. Everyone buys in to their roles and that’s what makes us such a good team.” Goodfellow started playing basketball in the third grade at Dimple Dell Recreation Center. A year later, he started playing year-round and has done so ever since on
various club teams. He has recently played for UBC in the Adidas Gold Gauntlet Division where he has played in several tournaments in different states. “I always loved basketball from the moment I picked up a ball and watched games on TV with my dad,” he said. “I’ve always loved the team aspect of basketball and playing a competitive game with my best friends. I have played high school basketball at Alta High School for four years now and have loved every minute of it. Seeing the ball swoosh through the hoop has always fascinated me and has driven me to play year after year.” Goodfellow said he loves the teamwork aspect of the game and working with teammates to achieve a goal. He said he has learned important lessons from winning and losing. “I love competition and always have since a young age,” he said. “I enjoy competing with a team to take down another team. I enjoy playing with such awesome teammates that each bring something different to the team. Basketball is a very competitive sport, as only five players can play at a time, which always pushes me to work harder so I can be one of those five people on the court. Basketball also teaches me so many life lessons. It has taught me how to work through adversity and how to react to the wins and losses.” As a player, Goodfellow is good at moving without the
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Continued page 20
Alta’s Carter Goodfellow, a senior, shown here going up for a layup in last season’s state tournament, is a key member of the Hawks’ defending state championship basketball team. (Photo courtesy of Carter Goodfellow)
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