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TAKING OWNERSHIP: Jordan-Foster, Hitchcock ready to repeat
HITCHCOCK RETURNS TO THE COURT THIS WINTER HAVING MADE SCHOOL HISTORY A YEAR AGO, EARNING THE FIRST UIL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (CLASS 3A) IN PROGRAM HISTORY.
This precedent was established on the heels of reaching the title game in 2021, and the Bulldogs are looking to make it three-for-three.
Tenth-year coach Christopher Jordan-Foster will bank on his team’s physicality, particularly on defense, to make that goal a reality.
“Having some really fast and physical guys on the floor helps us out a lot,” he said. “I know we’re not going to be as polished offensively compared to some teams that do it year-round, before getting our football guys back late. However, like I tell them all the time, ‘defense travels with us’.”
The stars of 2023-24 Hitchcock BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Being a Hitchcock alumnus himself, Jordan-Foster knows a little something about the ownership his team takes in their game.
“I’m a hometown kid,” he said. “There’s something different about bringing something back to your home, which makes you have a little bit more pride in your work. I stress that to the guys, as well. It’s more personal and I want them to feel that – looking back to when you made history for your community.”
That upbringing is likely what feeds into the culture he’s brought back to Hitchcock.
“Those guys growing up together, playing alongside one another for a while has played a key factor in the growth of the culture,” said Jordan-Foster. “Also, changing systems from a zone-press to more of a full-court man was a game-changer for us. That’s kind of our M.O. – we’re going full-court every time.”
The Bulldogs will feature several returners from last year’s championship squad, including Damien McDaniel (Sr. G), Lloyd “Chubby”Jones III (Jr. PF), Kelshaun Johnson (Jr. G) and Elijah Sherwood (Jr. G), who Jordan-Foster expects to take a big step forward this season.
So, what will it take for Jordan-Foster and Hitchcock to run it back in 2024?
“First of all, it’s going to take some focus,” he said. “With a lot of football guys coming onto the court, health is a key component to this as well. I’ve had these guys for a while now, so they know what I expect from them when we head into the Winter. But, staying healthy will definitely be important to us.”
The stage is set. Now, it’s time for the encore.
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BORN TO BALL: Hadnot, Cypress Springs on the road to San Antonio
LAST SEASON, CYPRESS SPRINGS HOOPS REACHED THE POSTSEASON FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE EARNING THE DISTRICT TITLE IN 2019.
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.