Jackson and Jack celebrating on their way back on defense.

Jackson Stephan, one of HC Basketball team’s leaders, has had to grow up fast this year. After the Blue Devils lost eight seniors from last year’s squad, this year’s team looked almost completely new. Due to this, Stephan said he had to take on a leadership role quickly.

“We had a completely new team this year,” Stephan said. “… I had to lead all the new young guys and show them how the program works.”

HC’s varsity boys ended the regular season 14-11 overall and 4–3 in district play, and are ranked 3rd in their district this season.

One of Stephan’s favorite memories from this season was beating a top-25 team from Ashland Blazer on their home court. That huge win showed just how great this team can be when everyone works together.

“Going to Ashland and beating Ashland at their home court, and their top 25 team…that was pretty fun,” Stephan said.

But now that his senior season is almost over, Stephan is already thinking about what comes next, and what HC will lose when he’s gone.

According to Stephan, the most important thing for the younger players now is to work hard.

“Just working hard, staying in the gym, and staying consistent,” he said when asked how he leads the team. Those are words the younger players will have to live by next year when the leadership spot is wide open.

Stephan said what he’ll miss most about high school basketball is “being the best player, because once I go to college, I’m no longer the best player.” Stephan is headed to the United States Air Force Academy to continue both his academics and his basketball career.

This means that next year, other guys are going to have to step up and fill his shoes. The HC Boys’ Basketball team has shown talent this season, but replacing someone like Stephan won’t be easy.