Walter Hallberg IV: VDN’s Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Walter Hallberg IV has been named the 2026 Vicksburg Daily News Girls’ Basketball Head Coach of the Year after guiding St. Aloysius to the postseason.

Hallberg led the Lady Flashes to the first round of the playoffs this season, making St. Aloysius the only girls basketball program in Warren County to reach the postseason.

“I’m pleased about the season and they got so much better over the last two years,” Hallberg said. “I’m super proud of them and those seniors worked hard every day and showed up to play.”

The Lady Flashes faced adversity early, losing their first nine games of the season. Instead of folding, the team responded with determination, eventually putting together a five-game winning streak under Hallberg’s leadership.

“I knew that if we could figure out how to win one game, we could win multiple games,” Hallberg added. “Once they saw they could win, it changed the whole dynamic of the game.”

One of the most defining moments of the season came in January when St. Aloysius trailed Adams County Christian School 12-0 early in the contest. The Lady Flashes regrouped and rallied for a 49-45 victory, a win that ultimately secured their playoff spot.

While Hallberg found success with the girls program, he also enjoyed a strong season as the boys’ head coach. He guided the Flashes to an 18-7 record, highlighted by a major win with a senior-heavy roster that helped produce one of the program’s most successful seasons in years.

The season also included several memorable milestones. Hallberg witnessed standout player Carson Gleese surpass 1,000 career points, marking the second time one of his players has reached that milestone.

“To have that done back to back was very special because you don’t see that a lot for schools our size,” Hallberg said.

Key victories over Manchester Academy and Central Hinds helped define the year for St. Aloysius. The Flashes dominated much of their schedule, winning several games by large margins and establishing themselves as a competitive force.

Hallberg’s players also received postseason recognition. Gleese was selected to the MAIS All-Star Game, while both Gleese and Garrod Bunch earned All-State honors.

Success on the court has been meaningful for the program, especially after a heartbreaking loss off the court. In 2024, Hallberg and the St. Aloysius community lost former graduate Kori Sims, who died in a shooting. Despite the tragedy, the team rallied together and continued to compete with passion.

“That’s one of the best feelings you can have because they picked up his torch and kept it going,” Hallberg said. “We miss him and I was sure hoping he would come back and scrimmage during his college breaks, but I think about him all the time.”

Hallberg credited his players, coaches and family for helping make the season possible.

“It’s an awesome honor and I’m proud of it, but it’s more about the kids and all the credit goes to them,” Hallberg said. “My assistant coach Sean Simpson put a lot of work in and he’s a basketball junkie, so I thank him.”

Hallberg also thanked his family and those who supported him behind the scenes.

“I’m thankful for my wife and her support, and this year was a lot different without my dad,” he said. “My mom still comes and they all supported me. I have to thank David Smith because that’s where I work full time, so sometimes I have to leave early and it’s a big help when it comes to coaching.”

Through adversity, growth and dedication, Hallberg’s leadership helped shape a season that will be remembered in the history books of the program.