Casey Benson, a standout student-athlete at Hugo High School, is leaving his mark on the basketball court.
Reflecting on his favorite coach, Casey speaks highly of Coach Shanklin: “Coach Shanklin has always pushed me to be a good player all around and not to just rely on my shooting ability. Some nights, that shot might not be falling, so he told me to add more to my game by getting downhill and making the right reads to give my team the best chance to win every night.”
In the world of team sports, the camaraderie and support of teammates are invaluable. “I admire all my teammates,” Casey said. “We push each other every day to be better. We go hard at practice so the games will be easy.”
Beyond the court, Casey highlights the influence of his favorite teacher, Coach Greer: “He is very interactive with the class, allows us to voice our opinions and teaches us why it is important to know what’s going on in the world.”
Preparation is key for any athlete, and Casey has diligently worked on various aspects during the off-season: “I’ve been working on my ball handling. I’ve been working on moving my feet, scoring on all three levels and my body control. I put up a lot of shots. I’ve been in the weight room getting stronger.”
Basketball, for Casey, has taught him many needed life lessons: “My communication skills on the court. You have to be talking non-stop; communication is the key to everything.”
Among his favorite memories, Casey recalls a significant achievement: “Making it to state with my teammates. We always talked about it in middle school. It was a great experience, and I hope we can make it there again and win it all!”
Looking ahead, Casey expresses his ambitions for the season: “The team goal is to win the state championship. My individual goal is to be a good team player and make the best play possible.”
Beyond high school, Casey envisions a future that involves basketball: “I would like to play at the next level, no matter what division it is. I will be thankful for any opportunity at the next level.”
