Beasts on the Boards: Hopewell 8th Grade Basketball Team Making a Statement

Hopewell’s 8th grade basketball squad, under the leadership of Coach Patrick, has been putting on a summer clinic—especially when it comes to dominating the glass. With a renewed focus on discipline, teamwork, and relentless hustle, this crew is making waves in the Jr. High summer leagues.

Last week, Hopewell went head-to-head with Blackhawk and Central Valley, and it wasn’t just a win—it was a showcase of sheer dominance. The team’s control of both offensive and defensive rebounds set the tone early and never let up. Christian Fischer, Kaleb Gonzales, Enzo Leopardi, and Ryder Kostrick have been absolute forces in the paint, crashing the boards and battling for every loose ball with intensity.

But it doesn’t stop there—this team doesn’t just defend, they run. With the lightning-fast transition play of Vinny Smetana, David Johnson, and Brandon Cecchini, Hopewell turns defense into offense in a flash. That combination of paint power and fast-break speed is proving hard for any opponent to match.

With just two games left before the summer league playoffs—next Thursday and the finale on Monday, June 30th—Hopewell is looking like a serious contender. If they keep up this level of energy and execution, there’s no telling how far they can go.

This isn’t just summer ball—it’s a glimpse of a rising team coming into its own.