By KENZIE WINSTEAD
Content Editor

Henryville’s Kade Badger has emerged as one of the top scorers in Southern Indiana.

Part of Badger’s emergence came out of necessity with the graduation of a slew of Hornets, including top scorer Nick Walker, who averaged 21 points a game last year.

Badger knew he had to take a lead role in this young Henryville team. He’s averaging 24.2 points a game as one of the most prolific scorers in Class 2A.

“When we need a basket or free throws, I want the ball in my hands,” Badger said.

Badger, a multi-sport athlete, admits he’s quite the competitor.

In addition to basketball, Badger is the shortstop or pitcher on the baseball team, the All-Area striker on the soccer team and All-Area in singles tennis.

“I just love the competition,” said Badger, who wants to play basketball in college.

This week, Badger and the Hornets (10-13) have a tough assignment in the first round of the Crawford County Sectional. They’ll face sectional favorite Paoli (20-3) Wednesday night at 7:30.

Back on Nov. 30, Henryville lost at Paoli, but just 66-60.

Badger said he believes the Hornets can turn the tables on Paoli. “I’m pretty confident about the sectional,” he said.

Looking back on his career at Henryville, Badger said he loved playing for the Hornets.

“These have been the best four years of my life, honestly,” he said. “Everybody treats you like family here. When you go to a restaurant everyone calls you by name and thanks you for everything. It’s basically family.”

On and off the floor, Badger said he realizes he’s a role model for the Henryville kids.

“I really watch what I’m doing,” he said. “After games, I talk to the kids and thank them for coming.”

Now Badger will play his last sectional tournament.

“It’s pretty sad,” he said. “But we knew it was coming to an end.”