Matt Halvorsen drives around a College of Charleston defender during a November 10 game in Cullowhee, N.C. (Photo Credit: Mark Haskett, Western Carolina University).
Matt Halvorsen '17 Coming Up Big for Catamounts
Greenie is a sophomore guard for Western Carolina University basketball team
Rest assured, whenever there is a family gathering in Kingsport, Tenn., the one-on-one games between the Halvorsen brothers can still get as intense as ever. All three of Mark and Laurie Halvorsen's sons hate to lose, and all three have played basketball at a high level as guards. Todd starred at Dobyns-Bennett High in Kingsport before going on to East Tennessee State University from 2011-14. Matt '17 and Brad '19 have both been backcourt starters for Christ School. Weather permitting, the Greenies are taking a fan van to Saturday's UNC Asheville-Western Carolina University game. What the boys will see is an alumnus coming into his own as a sophomore for the Catamounts. Matt not only scores 13.4 points per game, but leads WCU in four statistical categories – minutes played (32.6 per game), 3-point field goals made (30), free throw percentage (.828), and assists (29). Matt recently talked about life on and off the court in Cullowhee, N.C.
Question: Before we get into basketball, how are things going for you with your academics? Have you declared a major yet?
Answer: I'm studying Finance. I'm just now getting into some of my first major classes and starting to like it. I think it's going to be good for me.
Question: You made last year's Southern Conference All-Freshman team and have been asked to take on a bigger role this season (under new coach Mark Prosser). What has that been like for you?
Answer: It has definitely been a big jump from last year. We have a different system and we're all enjoying it. Team-wise, we've had some really close, tough losses. If we could flip some of those around, it could be a much different season.
Question: Furman, in particular, is receiving a lot of national attention as a Top-25 team. Do you agree it looks like this is going to be a great year for your conference?
Answer: The conference is really good with some really good teams in it. I think the team that comes out of our tournament can make some noise in March. We'd like to be that team, still playing in March and making some noise.
Question: I have to ask, how competitive are the games between you and your brothers, especially since you and Brad are both Greenies?
Answer: In the summertime, they happen almost every day. I am usually able to stay within myself, but some do get intense. Both my brothers know the game so well. There are things that I learn from (Brad). And (Todd) really set the table and laid the groundwork for us. Brad and I have both really fed off him and worked hard to get better on our own.
Question: Looking back, what stands out to you about your Christ School experience?
Answer: The school prepared me really well. The brotherhood, of course. The late nights in the dorm and everyone being together all the time. It definitely helped me prepare for where I am now.
