Rebounding the Future

Natalia Vega 
Staff Writer
  The Bonneville High School basketball team’s new coach for this year is coach Cortland Hengel. Hengel is known to have a commanding and cooperating coaching style. In the past year, Hengel has made a few changes to help strengthen and improve the team skills. Mainly focusing on emotional intelligence, Hengel is working to build their confidence while encouraging them to see the benefits of consistency.  Hengel decided to make those changes for the athletes because consistency and confidence were two of the team’s biggest weaknesses coming into the season. When Hengel accepted the job in April of 2024, he watched eight different games before interviewing for the position. Hengel’s primary goal this year is to help the athletes recognize the benefit of small and steady changes, while pushing them to establish and fuel their intrinsic motivation. By doing so, he hopes the boys will maintain their confidence regardless of the games’ outcomes. Earlier in the year, Hengel told another newspaper writer that his end goal is to win the state championship. The way that Hengel’s players have responded to this goal is by taking it step-by-step; he wants the team to realize that major changes do not happen overnight. According to Hengel, a strong team does not always require talent, athleticism, or skill. Instead, it is about staying committed to the end goal even if the journey is challenging or disheartening. Hengel is specifically looking for athletes who are willing to serve the team rather than themselves. For example, an athlete should be willing to pick a teammate off the ground without being told to do so. He should be willing to step in to take charge even though he may not benefit from the outcome. Sacrifice is required to have a successful team. Hengel's approach will continue to shape the team into the best its ever been. As of now, the team currently has a 10-6 streak, landing them 3rd in the 5A conference. State is right around the corner, and the boys have their eyes on the prize.

​