LAST SEASON, CYPRESS SPRINGS HOOPS REACHED THE POSTSEASON FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE EARNING THE DISTRICT TITLE IN 2019.
With shooting guard Stoney Hadnot back in the fold, the Panthers are looking for more... much more.
“We’re on the road to San Antonio,” Hadnot said. “We’re ready to make that run and try to end our season with a win.”
Bold statement for the super-senior, whose basketball journey has been a ride since birth.
“It all really started off with my Pops,” said Hadnot. “Ever since I was a baby, he knew I was going to hoop. He pushed me to pursue it. From there, it was really about striving for greatness. I’ve always had a long-time dream of going pro, so that’s what keeps me going as I move from one stage to the next.”
The “next stage” for Hadnot includes his commitment to South Dakota State University, where he will continue his journey a year from now.
“They (SDSU) treated me like family,” he said. “They stood out from all the other colleges that were recruiting me at the time. So, that along with the atmosphere and fan-base, really appealed to me. I know people there,and coach (Eric) Henderson welcomed me in. It all just spoke to me when making my decision.”
Hadnot has become widely known as one of the top guards in the state of Texas. In addition to his 6-foot-6 frame, it’s not hard to see why he’s stood out to college recruiters and fans alike.
“I feel like my greatest strength is definitely my athleticism and how I get out in transition,” Hadnot said. “If I had to choose a particular player I’ve tried to model my game after it would probably be between Jaylen Green (Boston Celtics) of Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls). I can handle the ball really well, use my athleticism and play defense. It all kind of mixes into my style."
In the four years he’s been with Cy Springs, Hadnot’s most memorable came from an unexpected place.
“I’d have to say my favorite point was the time I had with coach (Larry) Boykin,” he said. “Coach had invited me to go to the gym with him in the morning for a pickup game, which was the first time I had done that. He was dropping buckets on me on a Monday morning after I underestimated him, which made me respect him and his game that much more.”
That respect has evidently transferred onto the court, and it will be essential to the team’s ultimate goal in the upcoming season as Hadnot and Boykin are on a journey to make school history.
Don’t count them out.