It’s near the end of the 2016 boys varsity basketball season, and a lot of weight is on senior Evan Hines shoulders. Hines has been playing at the varsity level since the beginning of his sophomore year, previous captain of the boys team, Hines has a lot to prove to his fellow teammates this postseason.

Practicing and training for up to twenty plus hours in just one regular week of the off season, Hines drew hungry for a college to notice his unbelievable dedication and hard work he constantly put into the sport he loved, basketball.

“Being apart of the game is surreal, to know that I’m capable of great things on and off of the court, and having my teammates and the other teams players know that, makes the game worthwhile,” senior Evan Hines said.

Evan Hines is not the team captain this year, but shows tremendous leadership skills.

“Evan is a leader on the team, and I’m very proud of how much he’s grown as a player in this program for the last four years,” head coach Robert Williams said.

Head Coach Williams also believes that Minnesota State University Moorhead is a great fit for Hines to continue his basketball career and to grow as a player. Williams hometown is only 45 minutes away from the university, and he stated that he knew the people who were scouting Evan Hines and was glad to know that such great coaches were interested his player.

“Evan was a work in progress, he is a much more mature competitor in most aspects of his life. He works to be the best now which is a big transformation for him. Evan has grown out of not always getting what he wants. It’s taught him discipline and he’s learning a great lesson. The time we’ve spent together, even through difficult times, was worth it in the end because he gets to play college ball at the Division 2 level,” Williams added.

Hines is a very capable and ambitious player who is willing to fight for a game till the very end. Two weeks ago against Rolling Meadows, Hines was having a tough first quarter and couldn’t quite seem to get his rhythm going. Williams took him out of the game and he sat down and had time to reflect and improve himself. At the end of the game, Evan Hines hit his career high with a 35 point game and none of his fellow teammates seemed surprised.

“Evan is one of the most well rounded players on our team. He can literally do it all, and is a big factor on our team when it’s game time because he always needs to be watched. Evan can become something great in the future if he continues up the hard work,” senior and captain Myreon Flowers.

Just like any other senior boy in high school, Hines has a girlfriend, Crystal Guerrero. She’s a sophomore and also attends Niles West. Crystal and Evan have been dating for a little over ten months now and they plan on staying together even when Evan leaves off to play ball at Minnesota State.

Crystal had a few words to share about her relationship with Hines and how proud she was of his accomplishments.

“I’m so proud of how much he has grown and his dedication to the sport he truly loves. I’m sad he’s leaving me, but I know we will remain strong and try and keep a positive mindset. I have no doubts that Evan will succeed.”

Evan Hines started competing in basketball at the age of four. Since then, he hasn’t put the ball down. He began playing AAU at the age of thirteen which meant he would get to travel and play at a higher level against some rigorous competition. When he began playing Fundamental U, he said he knew his weaknesses would get stronger and his strengths would only become better.

Evan Hines said in a recent statement, “My parents have always been such a great support system and I admire them. They are always pushing me to become better and I’m so thankful for them.”

Hines has done great things throughout his high school career, and he will continue to strive on getting better at the game he loves. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a very lucky school and Niles West wishes him the best of luck on his journey.