Grapevine Faith's HC Harding wins VYPE DFW Private School Girls Hooper of the Year Fan Poll
VYPE DFW recently ran a fan poll for the VYPE DFW Private School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Grapevine Faith's freshman shooting guard, HC Harding, won the fan poll after an incredible start to her high school career. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Harding about her season:
Harding, a basketball-only athlete, had a successful freshman season as she finished with many honors including First Team All State and First Team All District. The young athlete was named to the All Tournament Teams at the Parish Episcopal Classic, All Saint's Holiday Hoopfest, and Caprock Classic Tournament. Harding set the school record with 109 three pointers made in a single season; accomplishing topping the charts for many states including finishing first in TAPPS for 3 point field goals made (3PM) for all classes, ninth in Texas for all classes, and third in the nation in the freshman class- 29th in the nation for all classes. With such incredible freshman year stats, it's no wonder Harding had so many fans voting for her in the fan poll. Harding caught up with VYPE regarding the season.
What was your favorite memory from this season?
"I loved that my team traveled to Lubbock for the Caprock Tournament over Christmas break. There was so much I liked about the trip from team bonding to playing a team that had traveled from Australia. I felt like our team got a lot closer during that time which also helped us win the tournament against really good competition."
What were your goals this season? Do you feel like you accomplished them?
"I had a few goals - one which was met and one which wasn't. My personal goal was to lead my team in three pointers made- which I did. I was fortunate to set the new school record of 109 three pointers made in a single season. My team goal was for us to win state. Unfortunately we lost in our regional game."
What would you say has been the secret to your success so far?
"I think focusing on training outside of our normal practices helped me tremendously. There was no secret sauce, but just a lot of hard work. I also learned the balance of being a true student athlete through time management with my studies and athletics."
What would you say has been the secret to your team's success?
"I think our team's chemistry was key to our success. Most of my teammates all play for the same club team which helps. We are all good friends and like spending time together off of the court, too, which helps with our team chemistry as well."
Are you hoping to play in college? What are you looking for in a program?
"I definitely want to play in college. Because I'm a shooter, I would like a college program that is offensive minded. I've been fortunate to play for some amazing club coaches who have poured into me, so my hope would be to play for a college coach who shares that similar philosophy."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"Before every game I eat mac and cheese, have a Smoothie King smoothie, go to the gym early with my dad for a warm-up, make notes of what I want to focus on during the game, and eat a special chocolate that two of my friends gave me for good luck."
What are your coals for the off-season?
"I definitely want to get stronger. I started working with a strength coach about a year ago and hope to continue to build muscle. I also want to work on my step back, creating my shot, and continuing to improve my ball-handling skills."
How long have you been playing basketball? Who got you into the sport?
"I started playing in a recreational league in first grade and joined my first club team in fourth grade. My dad played basketball growing up and in college. He never pushed me to play, but I definitely think I got my passion for the game from him."
Who do you look up to and why?
"I really look up to y dad because of his knowledge of the game and his ability to tell me what I need to do to get better. I value his opinion and know he has my best interest in mind. I love going to the gym with him and going to NBA games together."
With many seasons ahead, Harding can be expected to continue to work hard to achieve her goals. Be sure you catch her in action on the court next season and during club playas she takes the court for True Texas Hoops 16U in AAU play.
