Little things define Hopkins leader

Despite her 6-3 frame, Gracia Hutson blends in on the basketball court, one of many talented players dotting the Hopkins roster.

Which is exactly the way she prefers it.

The defending state champion Royals have been the dominant team in Class 4A again this season, compiling a 17-0 record, beating all but one of their opponents by 20 or more points.

On a typical team, Hutson might be a focal point, with size, strength and agility to create matchup problems for most opponents.

At Hopkins, Hutson prefers instead to do the little things -- boxing out, setting picks, providing interior defense -- that go unnoticed in the boxscore but prized by teammates and coaches.

Her skills have not gone unnoticed. She accepted a scholarship offer to play at Vermont next year.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked with the ebullient Hutson about her team, role and future.

A It's pretty awesome. I have so much confidence in this team and all of the players on it, it just eases the nerves whenever we go out.

Q Are there many similarities with last year?

A Last year's team had such great chemistry, I didn't think it would be possible to match it. But this year, it's just as good. We all have such a close relationship to each other. We really are best friends.

Q Are there ever times when you look at your teammates, especially the younger ones, and marvel at their talent?

A Oh, for sure! Last year, we lost so many talented players, I was wondering who was going to step up and take their place. But it just seems like every year, we have this person and that person and this person come in and play. It seems like we always lose so much talent but there's always more coming up.

A Sydney Coffey and I, we love to take the younger girls under our wings and show them what it takes to become a good player and a good person. It's all about respecting your teammates and your coaches and working hard.

Q What is your specialty when it come to leadership?

A When girls are struggling, I like to go over and talk to them about the things they're doing well. I tell them that I've been there and that I struggled. It's cool to use the experience I've gained.

Q Hopkins has a big target on its back in every game. Does that add any pressure to the team?

A It's something we talk about, but honestly I enjoy it. It makes it all more worth it. We never want to beat someone and have them say "Oh, we didn't try our best."

A It has to be Cos [head coach Brian Cosgriff] and all of the coaches. They've instilled in us a love for the game and willingness to work hard.

Q Are there any drills that just make you groan?

A We're always rolling our eyes about something, but we also know it pays off in the end. When we win, we know it's all worth it.

Q Why Vermont?

A It's a beautiful campus with about 10,000 students, which is about right. And the program is going in the right direction. After every school I'd look at, I just kept coming back to Vermont.