The Hawkins family has basketball coursing through their veins. Coach Shane Hawkins has had the opportunity to coach all three of his sons, Conner, Caden, and Colton. Two of which are in season with him right now, Caden and Colton. 

As a senior in high school, Coach Hawkins was a part of the 1994 State Basketball champions for the Pinckneyville Panthers. Discussing the winning team Hawkins said,  “We had a tight knit group of all seniors so we had all played together for so long. The state championship was a common goal to win just not one person and I think that is how we did it.” 

Following in his fathers successful footsteps, Carterville senior Caden Hawkins has been starting varsity for his dad since his sophomore year. Caden is on the road to reaching 1,000 varsity points, and as of January 30, he is only 88 points shy of this goal. He is a crucial member of the team and is the leading scorer of most games. Senior guard, Caden, said, “It’s good, sometimes it is tough though because he is harder on me than others but I like it. I really like playing for my pops.” 

The youngest Hawkins family member, Colton, is a freshman this year and is getting to experience his first high school season alongside his father and big brother. Colton is a JV player and has very high potential for the coming years of his high school career. He has even seen a few minutes in some varsity games. Colton said, “It’s fun being in the environment with my family.”  

Coach Hawkins enjoys being with his sons everyday but mentions that it is not always as great as one may think. “It has both positives and negatives. I get to spend time with them, coach them, and teach them. It can be stressful though, I am their parent, their dad. When things don’t go well at practice it can carry on to the outside world.” 

The Carterville basketball program would not be the same without the Hawkins family. With a 20-6 winning record and 7-0 conference record this season, the Lions have only four games left until postseason.