Player Profile: Hayden Overby
The Thompson Tommies are coming off a North Dakota 9-man state title and Hayden Overby wants that success to continue into winter.
The 6-foot-6 senior forward and his crew have had trouble getting out of Region 2 the last few years but this season Overby believes it’s the Tommies year.
“I believe that Region 2 is one of the toughest regions in the state and trying to make it out of our region will be a battle,” Overby told PHD’s. “We have been very fortunate to have great success in baseball and football that last couple of years and we are extremely motivated to try and match that success on the basketball court.”
Overby worked on his perimeter defense and shooting over the offseason. He averaged close to a double-double (13.5 points per game, 9.2 rebounds per game) last season but will have to be able to stretch the floor more this season.
“I’m hoping if I improved those skills enough, it can allow our coaches to have more flexibility with our lineup,” he added.
Over the summer Overby played AAU ball with the North Dakota Attack team and looks forward to matching up with his former teammates in Dalton Albrecht of Granton and Ben Bohl of Minot Bishop Ryan this season.
Overby wants to take over a more expanded leadership role this year and his team will only benefit from it.
“I want to be a leader both verbally and by example for my team,” he said. “I like to play with a high level of intensity and try to do a good job of rebounding the basketball at both ends of the court.”
Overby has continued to gain basketball knowledge over the past year and grew up watching his older sister on the hardwood. He thinks those experience will be able to give himself an edge this season.
The Tommies have never been to the Class B state tournament but that may change this season if Overby’s improved 3-point shot and defense can stay consistent.
“It is absolutely our number one goal,” Overby added. “We are very fortunate to have great coaching staffs in Thompson for all sports that are constantly pushing us to improve our games.”