Top Senior Kole Hornbuckle Is A Gem In The Gym
- Updated: March 3, 2020
Someone is going to get a real good player when Kole Hornbuckle steps on their campus next year.
The Hamilton Southeastern senior has really turned it on this year helping to lead the Royals to a 17-5 record and a 13-game winning streak. The 6’5″ Hornbuckle has been right in the mix of it and has lead a resurgent team that features several seniors. Head coach Brian Satterfield raves about his senior wing player in terms of how well he’s developed.
“Kole’s overall game has really blossomed this year, especially defensively”, he says. “He is so versatile being able to guard 1-4. He also has good court vision, an explosive first step and has really worked on his outside shot”.
Hornbuckle avearages just over 11 points per game in a balanced Hamilton Southeastern attack and also shoots 38% from the 3-point line. He has been at his best in the big games. None were better than his 16 point performance last week in a 51-49 win over #2 Class 4A ranked Lawrence North, which included an and-1 to tie the game with under a minute to go.
“The key to success of my season is confidence”, says Hornbuckle, who has a 3.4 GPA and plans to major in business in college. “I have become more comfortable in the role I play for the team. I also want to look back in 20 years and say ‘I’m glad I did that’ instead of ‘I wish I did that’.
His Dad Ken Hornbuckle has also taken note of his development and loves that Kole has played with “confidence in his shot and shown leadership on the court. We are most proud of his integrity, that he absolutely tries his best and never wants to disappoint anyone”, he adds.
Schools are starting to take notice as Hornbuckle picked up offers from some schools, including Tiffin (D2), but the Indiana D2 schools, along with a handful of NAIA and D1 programs are taking a look, too.
Making a deep run in the sectionals would be helpful, but Hornbuckle has already shown plenty in his senior season.
“I believe the best things about my game as a player is playing defense, and I love the opportunity to guard the teams best players”, says Hornbuckle, who also wants to win the sectionals and go all the way to state.
Either way, Kole Hornbuckle’s future is bright in basketball beyond high school, and he may have some more playing to do in March.
