Locust Grove Sisters Claire & Cambree Hooker
For Locust Grove senior Claire Hooker and sophomore Cambree Hooker, basketball has always been part of who they are.
“I started in 2nd grade,” Claire said. “I started in 1st grade,” Cambree added. “Our family is a big sports family and loves basketball. We just always wanted to play.”
Now, the sisters finally get to experience something they’ve both looked forward to for years. They finally get to be teammates.
“I love it,” Claire said. “I’ve waited to be able to play with her on the same team.” Cambree agreed with a laugh, “I love it too. Claire is definitely our leader, but I don’t know about her bossing me around.”
As close as they are, they always keep things competitive between them. “Definitely! Everything we do is a competition,” they said. Claire remembered one moment that showed it. “I once broke Cambree’s nose in practice with an elbow when she was playing aggressive defense.”
Their playing styles balance each other perfectly.
“Cambree is definitely defensive minded and aggressive,” Claire said. “Claire is offensive minded and a great shooter.” Cambree added.
One of their favorite memories came last season.
“Going to the State tournament together last year,” they both said, looking back on the excitement of being able to share that experience together.
When tough games or losses come around, they stay focused. “We’re both actually super competitive, so we don’t really comfort each other,” Claire admitted. “After we chill out, we usually just rehash it,” Cambree added.
Neither one of them calls themselves the relaxed type on the court. “Neither of us are laid back,” they said. “We’re probably the two most competitive people on the floor together.”
On the court, their supportive attitude helps them get through a game. “We don’t know what we’ve learned from each other, but we both play for each other,” Claire said. “We both push each other to work hard. Neither of us like to be outworked by the other.”
Before games, they have a fun tradition that keeps things lively. “We usually dance together in the locker room to our pregame playlist,” they said.
Off the court, their bond stays just as strong.
“We are best friends and are each other’s biggest fan,” they said. “On bad days, we just give each other space.”
When it comes to leading, Cambree doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely Claire! That’s just who she is as a player,” she said.
Both sisters agree the best part of playing together is, “getting every win together and being able to feed off the other’s energy.”
“Sharing the highs and lows of the season brings us closer, especially my senior year,” Claire said. Cambree added, “Watching how much work she puts in pushes me to be better and makes me want to work harder. We appreciate each other more.”
We set a big goal each season.
“The gold ball is always the goal!” they said. Claire added, “After this year, I’m going to continue my basketball career at OBU.” Cambree said, “I hope to make it to the state tournament each year until I graduate.”
