The Jan. 26 start of the HMS Boys Basketball season is a continuation of the school’s winter basketball season, which the girls’ teams kicked off in late October. According to HMS Athletic Director Sid Slom, “All three of our girls basketball teams found success on and off the court this season. That is the same goal we have for our boys. We want our coaches and athletes to focus on growth and improvement so they can continue playing after middle school, whether recreationally or at Hockinson High School.”
Slom added that the energy at the school has been “electric” this week as 40 student-athletes turned out for three-days of tryouts, filling the HMS Gym with the unmistakable sound of sneakers on the court, whistles, and coaches’ feedback.
The effort of the players has energized their coaches, who are eager to develop their student-athletes and cultivate a strong team atmosphere in practice and games. The program’s focus this year extends beyond the scoreboard. The coaches are united in their mission to prepare these young men for not only this season, but also the future by emphasizing:
Skill Development: Mastering the fundamentals of the game.
Leadership: Encouraging players to be role models in the school hallways.
Teamwork: Finding individual strengths that contribute to a collective win.
We look forward to the start of the season with the Hornets tipping off their season on Monday February 9th. We hope to see you at a game. Go Hornets!
Meet the Coaching Staff
8th Grade: Coach Eric Shira - Shira, who brings 15 years of coaching experience to the 8th-grade squad, is entering his second year with the Hornets. Having previously worked with both middle and high school athletes, he focuses on refining the skills necessary for players to excel as they prepare for their final year before high school.
7th Grade: Janell Morley - A familiar face in Hockinson athletics, Coach Morley has spent the past seven years coaching HMS cross country and basketball. With a background as a multi-sport athlete and experience coaching everything from Little League to cheer, she is dedicated to building her athletes’ skills and confidence. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where players grow both on and off the court.
Blended Team: Logan Klodt - Bringing things full circle, Coach Klodt returns to his roots as a 2016 Hockinson High School graduate. Having played basketball for both HMS and HHS, he knows exactly what it means to wear the Hornet jersey. As a teacher and coach, he emphasizes leadership in the classroom and helps every player find a specialized role to help the team succeed.