I once heard a very well-respected coach say that the best player on any team and the head coach can never have a “bad day” at the same time. For the 2025–2026 boys varsity basketball team, it was very clear that they understood this concept is a major key to success.

This season, the Mustangs delivered one of the most memorable years in recent program history. The team finished with twenty-one (21) wins—an improvement from eighteen (18) the previous season—and captured their first Governor’s Challenge Championship together. They also appeared in the finals of both postseason tournaments and achieved their highest regular season finish in the Metro Independent Athletic Conference in the last seven years. The Mustangs closed the season in dominant fashion by securing their second consecutive Maryland Christian School Tournament Championship.

At the core of this year’s success were two individuals whose leadership and performance stood out across the conference: second-year head coach Hillary “Pop” Haley, who was named Metro Independent Athletic School League (MISAL) Coach of the Year, and senior standout Aaron McGlone, who earned the honor of MISAL Player of the Year.

Coach Haley’s connection to SMCA runs deep. Not only is he a leader on the sidelines, but he also has roots as a former student, having attended SMCA during his freshman and sophomore years of high school. That personal connection to the school community has helped shape his approach to coaching and leadership. “SMCA is a special community, I try to let everyone know I appreciate them. Some people do things behind the scenes that don’t get the broadcast, but it all matters.” said Haley.

Entering his second year as head coach, Haley emphasized the importance of understanding his players both on and off the court. With nearly eighty percent (80%) of the roster returning from the previous season, he already had valuable insight into each player’s strengths, tendencies, and motivations.

Among those players was Aaron McGlone, a longtime SMCA student-athlete who has been part of the school community since the fourth grade. Over the past two seasons, Coach Haley had the opportunity to witness firsthand McGlone’s dedication and competitive drive. “It was a joy to coach Aaron. As I look back on my coaching career there’s a handful of kids that I coached that I can say brought energy, effort, and competed every single day. Practice wise too, not just games. He practiced hard every day. I had to turn him down sometimes, because he practiced SO hard. And you know, he’s also a good kid. He listens. He’s respectful. He understood I wanted the best version of him. He definitely played hard and made me a better coach.” said Haley.

McGlone’s performance this season reflected years of commitment to the game. After surpassing the thousand (1,000) career point milestone during the 2024–2025 season, he continued to elevate his play. During the 2025–2026 season, McGlone scored a total of six hundred and eleven (611) points, averaging 20.3 points per game, while contributing nearly one-hundred and twenty (120) rebounds and assists.

For McGlone, earning Player of the Year was a long-standing goal. “I knew if I worked hard and produced, and used my God-given ability. That I had a chance of earning Player of the Year. It has been a goal of mine since I was like eight (8) years old.” said McGlone.

Despite the individual accolades, both Haley and McGlone emphasized the importance of teamwork and personal growth. Before the season began, Coach Haley challenged McGlone to elevate his leadership and focus on building stronger relationships with his teammates. “I had to learn to balance my individual confidence with the importance of trusting my teammates. Building team chemistry is important because we can’t do anything alone.” said McGlone.

Another challenge the Mustangs faced was maintaining the hunger to repeat as champions. Coach Haley understood that defending a title requires the same level of commitment that it took to earn it the first time. “It was a challenge to get guys to buy in and focus on our goals. Which is always the conference championship and then states. Getting them to lock in on a two-peat was a challenge. We’re fortunate that they did.” said Coach Haley. Central to the team’s mindset was a simple but powerful motto: “win anyway.” Anyone who attended a Mustang game this season likely heard Coach Haley repeat those words from the sidelines. For Haley, the phrase represents more than a basketball strategy—it’s a philosophy for life. “It allows you to understand what the higher goal is. It translates later in life. Flat tire? Go to work. Girlfriend breaks up with you? Life goes on. You lose your job? Win anyway. Continue to have that mindset. It translates in life.” says Haley.

Even with the recognition they have received, both Haley and McGlone were quick to credit the people around them. McGlone pointed first to his faith and then to those who supported him throughout the season. “I want to thank God. Without God I would literally be nothing, you know.” said McGlone. “I also want to thank the coaching staff and my teammates for trusting me and allowing me to be my best daily. Coach Pop works so hard, It’s really cool that we are both able to represent the school community with this achievement together.” Coach Haley echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the staff who stand alongside him every day. “It’s a coach of the year award, but I call it coaches of the year. You can’t do it by yourself.” said Haley. “They’re husbands, fathers, they take that approach with the boys. It’s been a blessing. Each of them brings unique expertise. I wouldn’t want any other staff. They’re my brothers. They help me lead these young men.”

Together, the achievements of Coach Haley and Aaron McGlone reflect the strength of the SMCA basketball program—one built on hard work, faith, leadership, and a commitment to “win anyway.” Their recognition as MISAL Coach of the Year and Player of the Year not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights the culture and community that continue to shape Mustang basketball.

-Mr. McGlone, Director of Athletics