By Matt Browning 

The Hillsboro boys basketball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for March. The Trojans are the defending 2A champions and are the favorites to repeat this season.

“First, we are playing tremendous team defense, which allows us to make it tough for opponents to get open shots,” Hillsboro coach Darrel Knoll said. “Second, we share the ball really well. We often have multiple players in double figures. The great thing about our team is that we have played really good basketball, no matter what the score is.”

While Knoll said his team does not feel pressure as the defending champions, he does think they feel like they have to prove themselves.

“We are undefeated because the guys are great teammates who play really hard for each other and celebrate each other’s success,” Knoll said.

Even though Hillsboro accomplished the greatest feat in high school sports by winning a state championship last year, it has broken through in other ways this year.

“The Hesston win was big because they are really good. It was our first win against them since 2019, and our first Trojan Classic Championship since 2012,” Knoll said.

The Trojans have a terrific trio of players that have been staples in the program over the past two years in Brekyn Ratzlaff, Grayson Ratzlaff and Matthew Potucek.

“Beyond their basketball ability, each of them is a quality individual who knows how to win,” Knoll said. “They are excellent leaders who treat others with respect. As is the case with all outstanding players, they have a great work ethic, have spent countless hours becoming better basketball players and have earned their success.”