MMA Basketball Set for Strong Winter Season Under Coach Hooker

The Missouri Military Academy Colonels basketball team enters the winter season with high expectations. Head coach Gil Hooker has set clear benchmarks for his squad: 15 victories, a district win and a season that would stand as the best the school has ever produced.

Hooker’s goals for himself and his players are aligned. He said the team is focused on raising the competitive standard and establishing a new era for MMA basketball. Leadership this year comes from Cadets Todbileg Boldbaatar, Bryce McIlwain and Kennedy Barchigei, captains who Hooker believes will help guide the program toward those objectives.

Several key returners are expected to play significant roles, including Cadets Barchegei and Levi Foster. Cadet Mateo Eaton is also considered a top returning player, though he is currently sidelined with an injury.

Cadet Foster goes up for a layup during a preseason jamboree at Van-Far High School on Nov. 18, 2025. They won 25 to 12 over Van-Far and 27-22 against Community R-6 in the jamboree. They fell 31-25 to Sturgeon.

Beyond wins and skill development, Hooker hopes the season provides each cadet with lessons they can apply outside of sports.

"I want our cadets to take what they learn on the court, the principles and concepts of basketball, and apply them to real life,” Hooker said.

Hooker said he sets high standards in practice to ensure players are prepared for game situations and works deliberately to instill strong values, noting that character remains central to long-term success both on the court and beyond.

“I push them hard in practice so the games will feel easier,” Hooker said. “I also focus on developing their character, because without it, you don’t have much to stand on.”

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