HULBERT RIDERS
BOYS
Coach: Jordan Hill
23-24 Record: 15-10
With four starters returning from a winning team in 2023, the Hulbert Riders feel good about extending their playoff run this year.
“We’re excited about this season,” said coach Jordan Hill. “We return four starters and lot of players who have varsity experience. Size and athleticism will be big pluses for us too.”
There are just two seniors on the roster including Tanner Vaughn (6-3) and Tyler Simpson (6-0) who averaged 15 points a game last year.
“Tyler is a four-year starter for us,” said Hill. “He was a leader for us last year and has turned it up even more this year. He’s a good all-around shooter who can knock down the 3 or attack and finish at the rim.”
Another key component for the Riders is point guard Cody Botts (5-10, Jr.), a three-year starter who averaged 10 points a game last season.
“Cody is our floor general who controls pressure well and has great court vision. He’s also a running back in football and a sprinter in track,” said Hill.
Aidan Schmitt (6-0) is another junior who will be a contributor at the guard spot along with Duke Parker (6-4) who will hold down the middle for the Riders and Kaiden Thompson (6-3) another guard. Younger players that have also played a part in the Riders success include Jarrett Crawford (6-0, So.) and Coby Botts (6-4, So.)
“Coby saw a lot of playing time as a freshman and he has improved a lot over the summer. At 6-4 with a 6-6 wingspan, he is able to cover a lot of the court. He isn’t a tall guy who can’t move but an athlete who can fly around on defense,” said Hill.
There are a couple of incoming freshmen that are also catching Hill’s eye in Caleb Hess (6-0) and Jayden Wells (5-10).
“Our staff that has been here for eight years all agree that Jayden is the best freshman we’ve had,” stated Hill. “He’s able to create shots for other teammates but is also able to score the ball himself. He’s a very good athlete who is able to play at a varsity level.”
