Monday: Mostly cloudy. Tuesday: the same. Wednesday: look out for snow. Thursday: 100% chance of rain, and Friday: 100% chance of victory!

The theme of this year’s Hoop Queen has never rung truer as Willow took on the two biggest rivals of the Bears the week of January 11^th through the 15^th; the West Plains Zizzers, and on Hoop Queen Night the Liberty High Eagles. While the boys played a great game, the week’s true stars were the 2010 Hoop Queen princesses and nominees. They were freshman princess Ashli Riden, sophomore princess Faith Younger, junior princess Nakita Perkins, and senior nominees Jessica Girdler, Lindsay Stolba, and Shelby Huffty.

The basketball court reflected the dresses of the nominees awaiting the announcement that they were to be the 2010 Hoop Queen. “Ladies and gentlemen, your Willow Springs High School 2010 Hoop Queen is….Shelby Huffty!” Senior Shelby Huffty, looking dazed but happy, walked up to receive the crown, bouquet, and a kiss from senior basketball player Steven Mallow. She was walked back to the “throne” while family and friends congratulated her win.

“It just didn’t register with me at first,” she laughed. “I was just talking with the escorts, telling them to look and smile at my mom’s camera! Turns out I was the one looking bad in that shot.” She continued “It was just such an honor to be nominated, I love Jessie and Lindsay, and really anyone of us could have won it”.

The weather was cold, the game postponed, and spring break reduced, but the games were won, and the 2010 Hoop Queen is definitely one to remember.

By Zack Martin

2010 Hoop Queen Court