Sometimes a player steps into a season with a mindset so sharp, so focused, that it sets the tone for an entire program. For Idabel senior Baker Hoskins, that mindset is unmistakable. He isn’t shy about his ambitions, setting the bar sky-high from the start: “My biggest goal for this season is to beat everyone by 30 and win the state championship.”
Confidence runs deep in Idabel, and Baker says the culture is a huge part of that. “Team morale’s been great, we’ve got a winning program and that’s what we expect to do.” Even with a roster that looks different than last year, he’s already impressed by what he sees. “Our team has a different look this year given we have so many young guys, but I’m really impressed with how they’ve played so far. I expect great things from my young guys.”
Preparation has been a constant theme for the Warriors. Baker says their goals aren’t just lofty—they’re backed by relentless work.
A major reason for their potential lies in how well the group meshes. “Our team’s biggest strength is that we depend on each other. We have a really high ceiling because we complement each other’s gameplay.” His role shifts game by game based on what Idabel needs. “I’m flexible enough to play any position depending on who we’re matching up against as a team.”
His approach to reading defenses is straightforward and strategic: “I look where the best defenders are on the court and how I can exploit my opposing team’s weakest players.” To stay ready for big moments, he leans heavily on repetition. “All I can do is get as many shots in on the gun as I can to prepare myself for those high stakes moments.”
When he steps onto the court, his attitude never wavers. “I play with a winning mindset; I’ll sacrifice my stat line for the good of the team. I’ll still take care of business however it has to be done.”
As for legacy, Baker keeps it simple: “I want to be remembered as a respectful winner. I feel like the best players take care of business and leave it at that.”
What outsiders may not see, he says, is the grind behind the success. “Nobody really knows how hard we work at Idabel. I promise we’re the hardest working team in Southeast Oklahoma.”
His favorite memory so far? That’s easy. “Making the State Tournament my sophomore year and really contributing to that was a really special moment. I’ll never forget it.”
Baker Hoskins— averaging 10.1 ppg last year—competes in basketball and track, with future plans still undecided.
