Raising champions
What does a State title really mean for one team, and one school? How can that pinnacle moment be summed up into only a few words, thoughts? Cohesive players and coaching only make up for part of the success, however, the strength of the Hiland boys basketball program may just be the perfect example of how to win games, and take titles.
The programs continuity and strength give the small Division IV powerhouse a name that most high school teams fear. Senior guard Dylan Kaufmans dunks might have something to do with that intimidation, but the incredible story behind this program lies beneath the varsity team, beneath Kaufmans dunks, and beneath his partner in crime, senior forward Seger Bonifant – who transferred to Hiland last year from Strasburg. It begins with a young group of kids who share a passion, and ends with a much smaller group who share a lifelong bond.
The program essentially starts in third grade and each person from the varsity team coaches a group of kids; this year we have six third-grade teams. This is huge in the development process of our program because once kids reach their final year with the Hawks they have been playing together for at least nine years, and the relationships between coaches and players start forming at a young age, said head coach Mark Schlabach, who returns to coach his seventh year with the Hawks.
After seizing the Division IV State title last year, the Hiland boys have a lot to keep up with during this season. With eight seniors returning to Schlabachs team, the teams drive and ambition to head once again to Columbus to play in the State championship are very strong.
However, this varsity teams accomplishments cannot be overlooked with how they got there. By no means is a State title something to brush off, but the team itself has put in dedication and effort through this basketball program since before they stepped onto the court in the Perry Reese Center for their first varsity home game as a Hawk.
One of the major reasons for the success of the program at Hiland is contributed to the coaching staff. We are all on the same page and the players trust us to know what we are doing is the best for them, and the team, not just whats best for us, said Hiland JV coach Chester Mullet.
Schlabach also explained that coaches start teaching the fundamentals at a young age, and keep building on them every year, and by the time the players reach the varsity level it is all about fine tuning all the fundamentals each player has learned.
Before any players put a jersey on for the first time this season, they have been through days of endless conditioning, two-a-day practices starting as early as 5:30 a.m., and constant off season play. The program is unlike many around. The players and teams that go through Hiland are consistently strong, and show their passion for the sport as a team, not an individual.
The passion in the players, coaches, and community is what really makes this program so successful. It is the biggest difference between the programs I have been in; the players are serious and share the same passions as I do to get better, said Bonifant.
The amount of time each player on the team puts into the game is obvious as soon as they step onto the court as a team. The outright determination on the team is indescribable, which was evident at their season opener on Friday, Dec. 2, against county rival West Holmes, where the Hawks defeated the Knights in easy fashion. Coming off a close first quarter, with the score at 10-8, the Hawks knew they needed to amp up their game. This would lead to a brutal second quarter for the Knights, where the Hawks outscored their opponent with a 14-2 run to take a 26-12 lead in the second quarter, eventually going into the half with a 28-14 lead. This quarter set the pace for the rest of the game, and the Hawks came out on top by a final score of 60-38.
The commitment that is in our program makes the team strong; ever since junior high we have all been committed through each year. You will find us looking for a game, or shooting around all year long, even during other sports seasons, said Kaufman.
Bonifant and Kaufman led the team in scoring with the duo racking up 36 points for the Hawks. Any spectator of the team will see that the ball is in their hands a lot. Kaufman and Bonifant are the leaders of the team, and they get baskets.
The leadership in this team is going to be especially important for the Hawks with the loss of senior guard Luke Burch, who is out for the season from a torn ACL. Losing a player like Luke is tough, no matter how great the program is and you cant replace what he did for the team, but we have a lot of kids ready to step in and help. They know the program and have been in it for a long time. The whole team has to step up and work harder, commented Schlabach.
The strength and depth of the team will be the key in overcoming this challenge, and with ready-made players who know the program Hiland will surely be a threat this season.
Stepping up is something this team knows exactly how to do. Striving to win and working extra hard to get there is something all too familiar for this team too.
This program has made me the player I am today. I strive to win and work hard to get there. The teams passion motivates us to win, said Kaufman
The Hiland boys program cannot be described in a few words, or a few games. The commitment, dedication, and drive to win are incredible throughout all ages, grades, and levels of play; they are what make this program a success.