Butch Harmon
Sports Scene
With a number of veteran players returning and some good size along the front line, the Hopkins boys basketball team is primed to improve on last year’s 4-17 record.
Hopkins has six veterans back from last year’s team, including a trio of seniors. Senior forward Wes Hoffmaster (6’4″) is a solid post player. Hoffmaster will be part of a dynamic one-two punch in the post with 6’8″ junior Matt Modreske, who earned all-league honors last year and is a major match-up problem for opposing defenses.
Senior Tyler Schwartz (6’0″) also returns at forward. He is a hard-nosed player from the football team who plays good defense.
In the backcourt, the Vikings return senior guard Ethan Elzinga (6’0″), who gives the team a threat from outside on offense. Junior Joey McPeck returns to run the point.
Added to the returnees are some promising newcomers, including junior guard Blake Kraft (6’1″), who can hit the outside shot, and senior Clayton Williams (6’5″) who adds more size. Sophomore forward Blaine Merren (6’4″) will also add to Hopkins’ front court depth.
GIRLS
The Hopkins girls basketball team is poised for improvement this season after going 6-15 overall last season and 5-7 in the O-K Silver.
Junior forward Callie Brower (5’10”) gives the Vikings a solid player around which to build. A versatile player, Brower led the team in scoring last season and earned all-conference honors.
Hopkins has a solid pair of bookend forwards, as senior Kristen Gilbert (5’10”) also returns. Gilbert is a two-year starter who is strong on the boards and can hit the open shot.
In the post, the Vikings are looking for senior Rebecca Davis (5’8″) to provide good defense and to rebound.
The Vikings also have a veteran in the backcourt. Keara Kilbane (5’6″) returns at point guard. She has good athletic skills and makes good decisions.
The Vikings also return a senior veteran at the two-guard spot. Ashley Sokol (5’4″) is an aggressive defensive player with good quickness.
The backcourt will also get a boost from freshman guard Ellen Bregg (5’5″), who possesses good quickness.
Overall, the Vikings have good team speed and are looking to play an up-tempo game.