Yellowjacket Kaden Hartley Looks to Continue Success at Bay in Final Season . By : Ryan Fletcher
The Bay Yellowjackets will look to three-peat as conference champions while looking to make a run at a state title . In order for that to happen , Kaden Hartley will look to lead the way in his senior campaign . Hartley has capitalized on an impressive run of his own as his been a staple in the Yellowjacket lineup . Hartley has received multiple honors including all-conference and deservedly so . While he ’ s often played more as a role player , it was last season during the second half of the year that he elevated his game as one of the top players not just for Bay but also within the conference . “ It has boosted my confidence and showed me what I can and cannot do ,” told Hartley . “ Going into this year I have to really step up and make up for the points that we had last year going into this upcoming year . One thing I really improved at the end of the year was shooting the basketball . I ’ ve never really had the confidence and always being a midrange / layup . My shot has gotten better but still needs a lot of improvement . Looking forward to becoming the best leader I can be and be someone my teammates look up to as well as making the best memories being my senior year on or off of the court . I want to lead and be the best version of myself staying positive no matter how hard it gets to stay positive and encouraging my teammates to keep striving .”
Hartley had the opportunity to play with many of the same guys for several years including all-conference standouts Justin Brannen , Evan Stotts , Landon Therrell , and Seth Spencer . He attributes much of his success to his former teammates . “ All of the seniors last year were guys I had much respect for . Each and every single one of them taught me something and most of the time it wasn ’ t basketball related . They all had a bunch of knowledge about the game and helped me be the player I am today . I grew up with that group of seniors and some really good guys .” With that said , Kaden looks to turn the page and embrace some of his current and new teammates to help pave the way for a new era of Yellowjacket basketball . “ I really expect junior Jacob Willard to have a great season . He is a great friend of mine and is having a great early season so far . The kid can shoot lights out if he has his feet set . Also , another guy is freshman Noah Watson . He is very young but knows so much about the game . The kid can shoot lights out too when he ’ s positive and a good attitude .”
New teammates aren ’ t the only new thing that has changed for Hartley in the last year . After playing his entire career for Brad Brannen , Kaden now has a new coach in Chase Halbrook . Like his teammates , he ’ s had to make an adjustment playing for a new coach in a new system . “ They play two different styles by far . Our new coach likes to play fast nonstop which was pretty hard to get in shape for . I haven ’ t got but two games in experience playing with him so far due to the injury but it ’ s been fun . Coach Brannen was an awesome guy and someone I looked up to as well and still checks in on occasion . He had a very unique playing style and didn ’ t play as fast as we do now . Last year I didn ’ t really shoot the ball much , but this year I will be looking to shoot the ball more and play fast .” Coach Brannen has nothing but admiration for his former player . “ Kaden has been an absolute privilege to coach and watch grow over the years . He transformed from a young kid still finding his way into an exceptional young man , going from one of the most challenging players to coach to one of the most enjoyable . Kaden ’ s basketball talent speaks for itself . His skill on the court and the relentless effort he gave every day set him apart . I wish him the best of luck in life , though I know he won ’ t need it . He ’ s already proven he knows how to work for success !”