Sydney Hancock

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Sydney Hancock did not want to follow in her father’s footsteps, at least when it pertained to her senior basketball season.

Her dad, Kevin, suffered a serious knee injury in high school and was sidelined for the entire year.

Sydney suffered a severe hamstring injury prior to the hoop season and her return to the basketball court was in question.

Slowly but with a lot of hard work, Sydney appears to be back at full strength as the top-ranked Lakers take aim at winning the West and making a second straight State Title game appearance.

“While most would have been sidelined, Sydney has worked very hard to physically get herself back to where she is today,” LR Coach Paul True said. “Sydney’s will to compete is contagious. She has sacrificed tremendously for the good of the team. When deciding on who was going to start on Senior Night (this Friday), due to the fact that we have six seniors on our roster, she was the first to come to me and volunteer to come off the bench so that her five other classmates could start.”

Because of her commitment to her team, Coach True selected Sydney as the Hancock Lumber Player of the Week.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Sydney is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.”

Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Hancock File

Name: Sydney Hancock

Year in School: Senior

Town: Casco

Parents: Kevin and Alison.

School Activities/Sports: Varsity basketball, soccer, track, Class Treasurer, Student Council, National Honor Society and Varsity Club.

Q. Why did you choose basketball? SH. I chose basketball because it has always brought my family together. My grandparents and my dad and uncle all played, and now all the Hancock girls play! I think it is just a great, competitive sport that gives way for team and individual accomplishments.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? SH. I hope to get back to the same spot we were last year. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lady Lakers will compete in another state championship, and this time, bring home a gold ball!

Q. What do you enjoy the most? SH. I love the feeling of being part of such a close-knit team. We win and lose together and have the same common goals. Basketball season is the best because for three months you have a whole second family.

Q. What do you like the least? SH. No one likes to lose and I am not an exception! I am an extremely competitive person and losing games really aggravates me, but it makes we work ten times harder to want to win the next one.

Q. What makes you successful? SH. I think my determination and work ethic makes me successful. I set the bar high for myself so I don’t settle for mediocrity. I have a lot of passion for the game.

Q. What would your dream moment be? SH. To cut down a state championship net.

Q. What has basketball taught you? SH. Basketball has definitely taught me how to deal with adversity, especially this year, playing through a hamstring injury. I have learned how to push through tough times.

Q. Who has inspired you? SH. When I was young, my sister always inspired me to grow up and be the type of player she is. Also, my dad has inspired me to always keep pushing. He suffered an injury his senior year, as well. His advice has really inspired me throughout the year.