As is the case with many of the sports programs in Hopewell, the future of the girls’ high school basketball program is very bright.
This season, HC Jeff Homziak’s roster is a bit light in terms of numbers but with that said, still has players talented enough to build around.
Sophomores like Addison Blosnick, Cici Smetana, Hannah McDowell have all shown flashes of their potent and will only continue to get better.
Lili Enders and Ava Ray are freshman, but both had tremendous junior high careers and now just have to get accustomed to varsity basketball. Ray could be the Vikings point guard of the future while Enders will bring size and athleticism to the front court.
The real reason for optimism though is because of the reinforcements coming from the junior high programs.
8th graders Amiyah and Arionna Shell, Afton Budris and Dallas Boyd have bright futures, and all will eventually have roles in Coach Homziak’s rotation. Amiyah Shell has the chance to be special and an immediate contributor.
The same can be said for 8th grade forward Ellie McCoy.
The thing that gets you excited about McCoy is the length and athleticism that she brings to the court. Any coach wants to have size, and Ellie will bring that to the future Hopewell front court.
McCoy is still developing as a player and learning how to use and play effectively with her size.
Rebounding and defense are her strengths right now but the advancements she’s made from last year in her post moves are noticeable and will continue to get better with practice and time on the court.
Vikings Sports Now had the pleasure to talk with McCoy about this season and her thoughts on the future.
Hopewell’s Ellie McCoy
First up, I asked McCoy about finishing up her junior high career and how it’s gone.
” It is a very weird feeling, like I am actually getting older and moving on in life,” said McCoy. “It is sad to know that I’m closing a chapter in my life but it’s good that I am moving on to a new chapter with older and more experienced players.”
“I also got more confident in myself over the last 2 years thanks to Craedel Kimbrough, Vince Kortstam, Rushel Shell, Antwon Townsend, and Coach Toal. I feel like we all grew as a team with trusting each other more which is a huge part of basketball.”
After working with all these coaches and trainers, McCoy is excited about her development and knows areas that she can improve.
“I think I have improved the most in posting up more and I have been getting more rebounds and actually jumping for them. I realized that I was using my height advantage too much in the wrong way.”
” I used to be lazy with it and just catch the ball over everyone else. I realized these past few years that I have to work for my spot now and everyone else is catching up so I need more moves, and I need to know how to handle the ball better.”
All that she’s learned will be valuable next season when McCoy and her teammates will take their talents to the varsity level.
“I am nervous, but at the same time, I am excited,” said McCoy. “I am excited to see how our team chemistry works as we move into the high school. I have played on multiple different basketball teams with some of the girls and I know we trust each other so I’m excited to see what high school basketball brings for us. I am also very nervous to play against older players who have been playing longer than I have, but I think that I will adjust quickly.”
Hopewell’s Ellie McCoy
“I am very excited to see what high school brings for my team and me. I know high school basketball will be tougher and more competitive, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Vikings Sports Now wishes the best of luck to McCoy and all her 8th grade teammates next season and in the future.