News - Marshall Ledbetter Excels as Hinckley-Big Rock Pursues Basketball Glory

With the departure of star players Martin Ledbetter and Max Hintzsche, Hinckley-Big Rock faced the challenge of continuing their basketball program's legacy as a new season began. Marshall Ledbetter, a 6-foot-1 junior forward and brother to Martin, wasn't initially confident in filling the gap left by such high-performing players, as Martin was the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. 'I just thought we’d come back a little slower, a little weaker,' Marshall admitted, reflecting on the uncertainty. Yet this season, the Royals have risen to the occasion with every player contributing to scoring. Marshall, alongside 6-foot senior forward Luke Badal, has achieved consistent on-court performances, both averaging impressive point totals. Their efforts were notably evident in a 65-55 victory against Aurora Central Catholic, where both secured 20 points and six rebounds. Other seniors such as Jacob Orin and Judah Miceli also chipped in, maintaining a strong team dynamic reminiscent of last season's squad, which concluded with a commendable 26-9 finish after a close loss in the sectional final. Coach Seth Sanderson praised his team for adapting well and stepping into leadership roles. The Royals have been focusing on exploiting inside-out gameplay, a strategy that paid dividends against the Chargers. As the season progresses, Sanderson noted Badal's improvement, particularly in scoring and drawing fouls, helping to lead the team past their opponents. Martin Ledbetter, now pursuing collegiate baseball, returns home with accolades and a new understanding of leadership, while Marshall continues to build his own path, leveraging agility and a strategic mindset against opponents. With Marshall thriving in basketball despite predictions of a slower season, Hinckley-Big Rock is once again proving its prowess and tenacity on the court.