On the court, Haley Hoffine is ambitious, spirited and knowledgeable, yet willing to push the envelope when her team is in need of support.
The 5-foot-7 Hoffine has developed into a senior leader of the Bonner Springs Braves women’s basketball team.
Hoffine began playing basketball at the age of 4 and continued on to compete for Swoosh and Magic Basketball Teams while expanding her skills on and off the court.
“My junior year I played for Magic and have played for my high school team all four years,” Hoffine said. “I’ve just always enjoyed playing the game and meeting teammates throughout my basketball career, who I'm still pretty close with.”
Hoffine took on the role as point guard during the 2012-2013 season and claims she “really enjoys it.”
Senior Hoffine became a leader and confidence booster for the Braves this season, continuing to keep the team in its highest of spirits, even at their low points.
“I always try to get my team good passes and to run the offense well or to calm us down if we get a little out of control,” Hoffine said. “Our team has a lot of good chemistry and that’s helped us to become as successful as we have been. It’s easy for me to take that control of offense when you have the type of players like our team has.”
In the Braves’ Feb. 1 game against Bishop Ward, Hoffine took control of the court, gaining recognition through the “Player of the Game” award. Hoffine showed control and talent through the team high of 14 points and hitting 8 of 9 free throw shots from the line. The Braves won 56-43.
Facing a tough loss to Mill Valley on Jan. 11, Hoffine was reassessing the team’s talents in preparation for a rematch Feb. 12.
“It was a tough loss for us but we knew that we couldn't let that change how we know we can play,” Hoffine said. “We had to just move on from the loss and learn from it. I know we’re all excited to play them again. We all know we can come out successful if we focus on doing the little things right as well as the big things. We know we can't treat any game differently than the other, but I know the team is definitely ready to play them again.”
Through last week, the Braves showed their talent with a record of 15-2. Hoffine explained that the season is far from over and the team has its eyes on a state title.