Mackey’s arrest dims bright future

When news broke that Scott County basketball star Bud Mackey had been arrested on drug charges last week, it sent shockwaves throughout the state.

First and foremost, it’s a sad story on a human level. Mackey’s future, once so promising, is now in serious jeopardy.

Mackey, MVP of the Sweet Sixteen last March, was going to sign a letter of intent with Indiana University next month, and was expected to be one of the front-runners for Mr. Basketball this season.

Instead, on Oct. 16, the day after Scott County takes the court for its first pre-season practice, Mackey will be in a courtroom facing felony charges. Whatever led him down the wrong path — a one-time catastrophic decision, running with the wrong crowd, self-doubts about his academic ability, whatever — it’s a painful reminder that young people need all the support and guidance they can get at home and school.

A personable young man with special athletic gifts, Mackey was one of the main reasons the Cardinals were going to be solid favorites to repeat as state champions. I guess there’s a chance he’ll be back in school and play this season, but I’d say it’s a slim chance.

If he isn’t back in the lineup, Scott County will still be very good. Coach Billy Hicks can count on veterans Cam Hundley, Jordan Lee, Richie Phares and Tyler Portwood to pick up the slack left by the graduation of all-stater Matt Walls and Mackey’s dismissal. But the Cards won’t have that proven superstar who can carry a team, like Mackey did so spectacularly in the second half of the state finals against Ballard.

Scott County would still be a top 10 team, maybe even a top 5 team, without Mackey. But the deck wouldn’t be stacked so heavily in favor of the Cards, certainly not in the ultra-competitive 11th Region. Bryan Station, Dunbar, Henry Clay, Lexington Catholic, Madison Central and Tates Creek were expected to push Scott County even if it had Mackey. They’ll be even bigger threats if the Cards’ 6-foot-4 mercurial guard is gone.

(It would be wise to remember that before practice began last season, returning Scott County star Rodney Haddix was ruled ineligible, but the Cards overcame that setback by going 34-2, winning the state title and being nationally ranked.)

It was only seven months ago that Mackey was in Rupp Arena clutching the MVP trophy and celebrating Scott County’s state championship. He had nine points in the closing minutes to rally the Cards from a 49-44 deficit to a 56-50 victory. Swamped by reporters seeking insight into his heroics, Mackey was eloquent in his analysis.

“I wanted to win, so I kept saying to myself, ‘Lead ‘em to the promised land, Bud,’” he said. “It’s all about heart and determination. If you wanna win it, you gotta go get it.”

Here’s hoping that Mackey has the same steely resolve in getting his life, and his future, back on the right track.