BREMEN, Ala. — The Cold Springs Lady Eagles completed their middle school basketball season not too long ago and finished second in this year’s county tournament. Seventh grader Hagen Ellis had an amazing experience this season and despite not winning the county title, she’s really proud to have been part of a great team.
“This season was amazing. It wasn’t just a team; it was a family. I am also very grateful for the coaches that I had this season. One thing I will never forget that they told me is, ‘Always remember your four priorities: faith, family, education, and sports,’ and that the rest will fall into place. I learned that hard work pays off, as long as you stay focused on your goals, and you know what it takes to get there.”
She added,
“All of these girls are not only my teammates, but some of my best friends. When one of us was having an off night, we could always depend on one of our teammates to pick up the slack. We always work together, and that’s what I love about my team. What I learned from my teammates is that even if we are all having an off night or bad game, we always try to motivate each other to keep each other working hard throughout the game.”
Hagen was so blessed to have played under some great coaches this past season and has seen some big improvement in her game but will continue to work on her game in the offseason.
“My coaches Kinley Nunn, Jeremy Campbell, and Clayborn Campbell are always motivating us to work hard. I like that they never give up on us and are always motivating us,” Ellis said. “I feel like my defense has improved, and my three-point shots come easier. I feel like I have improved a lot on defense, and I will continue to work on my shooting and driving to the basket.”
Hagen talked about an important role model in her life right now, the best advice that someone has ever given her, and what made this team special to be around.
“My role model that I look up to is my mom, because she was an amazing basketball player. What I’ve learned from her so far is that I always have to go hard, and play aggressive,” she said. “The best advice that someone has ever given me is, ‘To be the best, you have to work the hardest’. What has made this team special to be around is that we have grown up playing ball together, and it is amazing to have best friends as teammates.”
Hagen feels like it’s important to be a role model for the young girls that are watching her play, and the varsity players have helped her with her game as well. She learned a very important thing about herself and this team this season. “I have been told that there are eyes watching me every time I play, so I always try and set a good example,” she said. “The varsity girls have helped me with my game even more, because I get to watch them, and they show me things I can work on. I have learned that you can’t win a game by yourself and that you have to have a team.”
