What’s recently happened?
Boone Grove High School’s Girls Basketball team recently had its senior night. With the season coming to an end, the graduating seniors were recognized for their hard work, commitment, and grit.
This celebration took place on Thursday, Jan. 11, featuring both junior varsity (JV) and varsity games against Wheeler High School.
JV played first followed by varsity, and it was in between these games that the graduating seniors were called out. One by one, each girl was individually announced and recognized while walking across the gym with family and friends.
There were only four senior girls on the team this year: Emily Veschak, Drew Jeffries, Elaina Schreiner, and Ayana Cruz.
This special occasion not only commemorated the accomplishments of each girl but also marked one of their last moments together. Some have been doing basketball together for years, so this night was special seeing as they only have a couple of games left.
Along with flowers and gifts from family, the underclassmen team members went out of their way to make this night one to remember.
“The team decorated the locker room with sayings on the chalkboard, drew with paint markers on the mirrors, and put our senior boards in front of the gym where people walk in,” said Schreiner.
Boone is proud to celebrate these amazing female senior basketball players and hopes to make this annual tradition memorable for years to come.
What’s coming up?
Along with Girls Basketball, the boys team has been working just as hard. Its senior night is coming up very soon.
This game, scheduled for February, will take place at home.
With full teams for both JV and varsity, the boys have been busy with practices and games these past couple of months.
This year, there are six senior boys on the team: Justin Hoover, Gavin Lucas, Corey Noonan, Hunter Noonan, Kameron Dixon, and Torrey Peebles.
Each senior player brings their own individual strengths to the court. Together, they create a talented, determined, and hard-working team.
Like the girls, each senior boy will be individually announced and walked out by their family or friends. They’ll be recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the basketball team.
There is a lot of anticipation surrounding this upcoming game, and there is a lot of excitement about the senior celebration. With seven wins already behind the team, the community hopes for continued success until the end.
Staff spotlight:
Dean Hill is the Boys Varsity Basketball coach as well as the teacher for gym and health at Boone.
Hill is actually a Boone alumnus himself, growing up in Crown Point and attending Boone schools as a kid. He’s been coaching varsity for two years now.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. The opportunity to coach sports just came along with teaching,” Hill said.
A lot of responsibility comes with being head coach, but Hill values what he does. Spending time with the guys during practices and watching them constantly improve during the season are some of his favorite aspects of his job.
In the past two years, Hill has experienced a wide variety of ups and downs, but it’s seeing his team succeed that he cherishes the most.
“My favorite memory of coaching was watching the team celebrate after beating South Central High School on a buzzer beater last year,” he said.
Outside of his work life, Hill enjoys hanging out with his wife and dogs, and he loves to golf during his free time.
The future of Boone’s Boys Basketball is bright, and Hill has many goals he wants to accomplish.
“I hope to build a basketball program with sustained success and an atmosphere where all players are able to enjoy their experience and succeed in their own way,” said Hill.
Hill is a beloved teacher and coach, and it shows in the way students enjoy talking to him, attending his classes, and being a part of his team.
Student spotlight:
Justin Hoover has attended Boone schools since sixth grade after moving from Crown Point. Now a senior, he’s become active in both athletics and academics.
Hoover is a part of the National Honor Society as well as the school’s volleyball and basketball team. Not only does he participate in these sports, he’s currently captain of them both, demonstrating leadership in multiple facets.
Basketball has been a part of Hoover’s life from a very young age, and he has stuck with it ever since.
“I have been playing basketball since the first grade. I played in the Four Seasons League for five years, then Boone Grove’s middle school team, and now I play for the high school,” said Hoover.
With over 10 years of playing this sport, he has made an abundance of memories throughout them all.
“For me, the most memorable part of basketball this year was winning the South Central tournament,” said Hoover.
This tournament was a big win for the team, and it meant even more to Hoover because he had just recovered from an injury.
“Those were my first games back from being out with a broken finger, so it felt great to be back on the court and bring home a trophy as well,” said Hoover.
Outside of school teams, Hoover still enjoys both playing and watching volleyball and basketball.
This being his last year, Hoover has plans for his future after graduation.
“I’m not sure where I want to go to college, but I do want to study aviation to become an airline pilot,” said Hoover.
As for the rest of his senior year, Hoover has one specific goal in mind.
“I hope to win the state championship for basketball,” said Hoover.