By Blake Chadwick
Coming off a strong 15-7 season, the Hutchinson Salthawks girls’ basketball team will look to make another deep run behind senior leader Kohlbie Craft, who has been a consistent force in the paint since she first put on a Hutch jersey.
Craft has been playing basketball for 12 years, and her experience shows every time she steps on the court. Craft is one of the main returners expected to help guide Hutchinson back to another successful season.
“My personal and team goal for the 2025-2026 season is to make it to state,” Craft said. “We have lost in the regional sub-state championship game every year I have been in high school. I would love for our senior class to finish our high school career at state.”
Craft is no stranger to success. She’s a multi-sport standout who’s earned multiple all-league honors in both basketball and softball. She’s also committed to play softball at Hutchinson Community College next season.
Her head coach, Kalen Hilst, had high praise for his senior.
“Kohlbie is a great person and a great athlete as well,” Hilst said. “Even though we know softball is her number one passion, you wouldn’t be able to tell it during basketball season – she is locked in and works really hard.”
Craft knows her leadership will be key this year after losing three senior starters.
“My goal is to keep us motivated and focused when things are not going our way,” Craft said. “We will have some tough games this year, especially losing such a talented group of seniors, but we have a good group of girls. We also have some talented underclassmen who will play a lot this year.”
