Hopewell Indians Red Team preparing for state
Coalton Mobley prepares to pass the ball during basketball practice at Hopewell School. The Hopewell Indians Red Team will play in the state championships this weekend at Bowling Green University. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Aaron Mullins said the Hopewell Indians Red Team’s tournament run is a testament to all their hard work this season and their desire to keep improving.
“Going to the state championships is awesome,” said Mullins, who is the team’s head coach. “I’m proud of all of them.”
The red team finished its regular season 7-1. They went on to win four games in tournament play and earn the East Section Men’s Division IV title and a trip to the Special Olympics Ohio State Championships. Games will be at 6 p.m. Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 (TBA) at Bowling Green University.
“Everyone is pretty excited for state,” said Toby Collins, Coshocton County Board of DD director of recreation and Special Olympics coordinator. “This is our younger team, but they’ve worked so hard on building their skills. The improvement from now to the beginning of the season is crazy.”
The last time Hopewell appeared in the state championships was in 2015 when the black team won first place and the red third.
“It’s pretty amazing to be going back,” said Hugh Hart. “I think team confidence and teamwork helped us. We are probably going to do excellent at state.”
He plays center for the red team and has been involved in the program for about four years.
“I enjoy getting to call my teammates family,” Hart said.
Hunter Markley is a forward/guard for the red team and has played basketball for Hopewell for about five years.
“I’m pretty excited to go to state,” he said. “I think what helps us is that we work as a team.”
Mullins agreed with Markley and Hart’s comments on teamwork.
“They work as a unit and support each other,” Mullins said.
He also is appreciative of the community’s support.
“I’ve never seen a community support Special Olympics like they do here,” Mullins said. “I’m real happy to be part of this.”
Plans are in the works for a Main Street send off for the team starting around 12:15 p.m. on Friday, March 24.
“Community support means a lot to us,” Markley said. “It’s nice having everyone cheer for you.”
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