2025 Basketball interview with Zoe McCort from Hoover High School


 

Name: Zoe McCort

School/town: Hoover High School, North Canton

Positions played: Point Guard

Class: 2026

Height 5'8

Weight 160

Jersey Number: 31

Awards won or earned: Awards & Honors

Assists/Steals Award (2024–25)

O.H.B.C.A. District 4 All-Star (2025)

Hoover Track “Best in Throws” (2023–25)

3rd Year Award – Basketball (2024–25)

3rd Year Award – Track (2024–25)

Silver Certificate – Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Scholarship Society (2025)

OHSBCA District 4 First Team (2024–25)

Second Team All-Federal League – Girls Basketball (2024–25)

Second Team All-Federal League – Girls Track & Field (Shot Put) (2024–25)

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18807736/Zoe-McCort

Please post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

Last season was a roller coaster of emotions, but it taught me a lot about myself as both a player and a teammate. The highlight of my season was our trip to Florida, playing games and then spending time at Disney and Universal with my team.

One of my biggest moments came against GlenOak. We hadn’t won a Federal League game in a full year, and I hit the game-winning free throws to seal the victory and finish with 21 points.

What are your personal goals for the season?

Earn First Team Federal League

Improve every game.

Prepare my game for the college level.

What is the main goal you will set for the team?

As a team, our goal is simple: cut down a net.

Coming off of a 13-10 record, including a 6-6 conference mark, what will need to change this year to improve on the record?

After finishing 13–10, we knew we had to change our mentality. We’ve adopted a championship mindset focused on getting better every day and holding each other accountable. From warmups to the intensity of our drills, everything has improved. I’m excited to see that carry over into games.

Did you train differently in the off-season with this being your final high school season?

I approached this offseason differently. The way we finished last season didn’t sit right with me, so I committed to preparing my body to play full games at a high level.

I started my workouts at 4:30 AM, then returned to the gym again later in the day as the season approached.

Should there be a shot clock in Ohio high school basketball?

I believe adding a shot clock would benefit disciplined defenses and force offenses to be more efficient. It would also better prepare players who aspire to play at the next level.

What is the toughest part of a Hoover practice?

The toughest part of practice is our defensive work. Our coach emphasizes defense heavily. It’s challenging in the moment, but it makes defending in games ten times easier.

What makes you a good teammate?

I’m an elite competitor who wants to bring the best out of my teammates. I encourage them to give their best, and I believe that if we stay together and work hard, we won’t fail.

Which road gym is the toughest to play in, along with the thing that makes it so tough?

McKinley.

It’s my favorite gym, but the energy is intense. Staying locked in through the crowd noise is tough, but it also makes the environment fun.

Where should the state finals be held?

I think the state finals should be held at McKinley.

Who has been the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team she was on?

The best player I’ve ever faced is Leena Patibandla from Jackson. I knew it was going to be a long game when she dunked in pregame.

Would you share with the readers some of the colleges that you are hearing from?

Defiance University

Wheeling University

Rio Grande University

Among others

Why should a college coach recruit you?

A college coach should recruit me because I bring a hardworking and communicative presence like a coach on the floor. I don’t give up, and I push myself and my teammates to be our best.

What is your favorite class or subject?

Favorite Subject: History

Favorite Class: Zoology

What is a trend in today's society that you do not understand?

The big red boots. They’re ugly, impractical, and unnecessary.

What scares you?

I don’t fear much, but I am scared of not being able to make my family proud. I want to show them that all their sacrifices were worth it.


Follow me on X @HEARTLANDFAN15

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