Getting to Know the Boys Basketball Team

By: David Verduzco

  The Hackett boys basketball team has high, but justified, hopes for this upcoming season. With a strong core returning, the team will welcome back six seniors consisting of a Hillsdale College Basketball commit Leland Berg, David Verduzco, Luke Napolitan, Lukas Husovsky, Ezra Rowekamp-Ambs,

and Cullen McBride. A fair amount of juniors are also looking to make an impact this season, star junior Elijah Brooks headlines this list. Other new junior faces include: Lucas Cosby, Joey Gamsho, Lucas Widman, and Elijah Nabors. These players are in search of a great season led by a new coach, Dan Hoff.

Last year left a sour taste in the mouth of the varsity basketball players, including “All Conference” senior Leland Berg. Berg was interviewed and asked the questions: What do you think of the team’s success last year? How will this year be different?” He responded with “Our failures from the past season have truly fueled our work ethic going into this season.” Leland sounds very excited for this upcoming season, and the Hackett fanbase is eager to see the improvements he has made to his game. 

Junior Elijah Brooks had a spectacular sophomore season, averaging the most points and on the team and being named “Honorable Mention All Conference”. Brooks was interviewed and asked what he is most excited about for this coming year. He was very inclined to answer and said, “What I am most excited for this season is the opportunity to grow as a team and compete against some of the best schools in the area.” Brooks will be a force this year and it will be exciting to see what he can accomplish.

Now that we have talked about two returning stars it is time to introduce a new face, Luke Napolitan. Luke was forced to sit out last year due to the MHSAA transfer rules, but he has trained all summer and is ready for the upcoming season. When asked about his excitement for this year he said, "I am very eager to be able to play in games after only being able to practice last year.” Napolitan is a name you better get used to hearing.

As Dan Hoff and his team prepare for the season we can rally to support them as they make a run in hopes of making it to the state championship!