Photo by Aidan Dible
By Angela Brunk
As he enters his senior year at Andover High School, Griffin Hand is embracing his role as a veteran guard capable of influencing the game on both ends of the floor. Splitting time between point guard and shooting guard, Hand is determined to make his final high school season his strongest yet.
Individually, Hand has set his goals this season to average 10 plus points and 2 plus assists per game while earning AVCTL All-League honors. Team-wise, Hand wants to return to the state tournament and win as many games as possible. What excites him the most is sharing the journey with his closest friends. “It’s been a blast getting in the gym with them and doing what I love,” he said.
One matchup Hand has circled on the calendar is the rivalry showdown against Andover Central, a game known for its intensity and electric atmosphere. Just as important, he looks forward to competing under the new head coach and is eager to help prove that Andover remains a top-tier program.
During the offseason, Hand trained with his club coaches, spent countless hours working with his dad, and dedicated himself to the weight room through Coach O’Neil’s strength program, building the muscle and toughness needed for success this season.
Last season, despite battling a high ankle sprain, Hand started and contributed to a team that reached the state semifinals, an accomplishment he holds with pride. He also cherishes his time as part of the first-ever Sunrise Basketball Academy club team.
After graduation, Hand plans to attend Kansas State University, join Phi Delta Theta, and pursue a business degree. In addition to basketball, he’s involved in Student Council, NHS, several school clubs, owns his own business, plays golf, and plans to compete in spring basketball with Breakfast Club Elite.
