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Cypress Springs' Stoney Hadnot
BORN TO BALL: Hadnot, Cypress Springs on the road to San Antonio
With shooting guard Stoney Hadnot back in the fold, the Panthers are looking for more... much more.
“We’re on the road to San Antonio,” Hadnot said. “We’re ready to make that run and try to end our season with a win.”
Bold statement for the super-senior, whose basketball journey has been a ride since birth.
“It all really started off with my Pops,” said Hadnot. “Ever since I was a baby, he knew I was going to hoop. He pushed me to pursue it. From there, it was really about striving for greatness. I’ve always had a long-time dream of going pro, so that’s what keeps me going as I move from one stage to the next.”
The “next stage” for Hadnot includes his commitment to South Dakota State University, where he will continue his journey a year from now.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“They (SDSU) treated me like family,” he said. “They stood out from all the other colleges that were recruiting me at the time. So, that along with the atmosphere and fan-base, really appealed to me. I know people there,and coach (Eric) Henderson welcomed me in. It all just spoke to me when making my decision.”
Hadnot has become widely known as one of the top guards in the state of Texas. In addition to his 6-foot-6 frame, it’s not hard to see why he’s stood out to college recruiters and fans alike.
“I feel like my greatest strength is definitely my athleticism and how I get out in transition,” Hadnot said. “If I had to choose a particular player I’ve tried to model my game after it would probably be between Jaylen Green (Boston Celtics) of Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls). I can handle the ball really well, use my athleticism and play defense. It all kind of mixes into my style."
The stars of 2023-24 Cy Springs BasketballJamey Wright (VYPE)
In the four years he’s been with Cy Springs, Hadnot’s most memorable came from an unexpected place.
“I’d have to say my favorite point was the time I had with coach (Larry) Boykin,” he said. “Coach had invited me to go to the gym with him in the morning for a pickup game, which was the first time I had done that. He was dropping buckets on me on a Monday morning after I underestimated him, which made me respect him and his game that much more.”
That respect has evidently transferred onto the court, and it will be essential to the team’s ultimate goal in the upcoming season as Hadnot and Boykin are on a journey to make school history.
Don’t count them out.
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Booker T. Washington's Chris McDermott
THE 411: Washington's McDermott has one-track mind
The Eagles would take that a step further by making it to the State Final game.
Among the array of exceptional athletes on that team, senior Chris McDermott was the key piece who guided the Eagles as they set the bar at the top rung.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While he’s garnered the attention of the public and college scouts, the 6-foot-8 forward remains focused on his goal to help bring back a championship to his community in 2024.
VYPE caught up with McDermott, as he enters his final year at Washington.
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VYPE:Last year, you and your team made history by advancing to the State Championship. What’s it going to take for this team to repeat that effort?
MCDERMOTT: "We just have to play hard every game, you know. Don’t take anything lightly, even if we’re up against a weaker opponent. It’s going to be about staying on the gas because we are going to get everyone’s best shot."
VYPE:What has the whole recruiting process been like for you? You’re also playing for the team, but how do you balance all of that with your personal ambitions?
MCDERMOTT: "It’s kind of hard when they (college recruiters) call me a lot, but it’s fun progressing with that in mind. For the team, I don’t focus on myself. I do what I can to lift them up and make my teammates better."
The stars of 2023-24 Booker T. Washington BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
VYPE:Who got you into the sport, and what’s kept you going with it?
MCDERMOTT: "My Mom told me to try it out and I just kept playing. I’ve always been the biggest person on the court, and everybody thought I was good so it just made sense. I’ve had a lot of people supporting me along the way."
VYPE:What’s the mindset heading into your final year at Booker T. Washington?
MCDERMOTT: "It’s not really about me, it’s for the community. We’re going to try to win it all."