Williamston, MI.- The Williamston Hornets Senior guard Cole Kleiver dribbles past his defender leaving him far behind and cuts through two more defenders on his way to the basket for another 2 points, just like he has done every game through his High School career. Kleiver then takes a pass from fellow Hornet Mitchell Cook off a rebound and pulls up short in front of his defender and launches a long NBA three-point shot and it’s good, nothing but net for one of the Lansing area’s top High School basketball players.
Kleiver’s resilient play and positive attitude are one of the many reasons that the Hornets, the undefeated Capital Area Athletic Conference (CAAC) league champions, and 33rd ranked team in the state, are looking to make another deep drive in the MHSAA basketball tournament this season. The Hornets are only two years removed from playing in the state championship and lost in the Regional finals in 2017 on what many still call a bad charging call at the end of the game.
Kleiver can’t remember a time when he didn’t play basketball. It’s his favorite sport and the only one he plays. In fifth grade, he started playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball and in his freshman season, he was called up to the varsity squad for district playoffs. And he has been there every since starting every game for the Hornets dishing out assist and points and was a pivotal part of going to the state championships his sophomore year.
“Going to Breslin Center (in East Lansing where the championships are played) my sophomore year, that was amazing,” Kleiver stated. “That has to be my best basketball memory ever and all the trophies I’ve ever won, I’m very grateful for everything.”
Kleiver has tied school records in 3-point shots with 10 made in one game and he has become only the second Hornet in school history to score 1,000 points over his illustrious career.
“It’s a great achievement to get 1,000 points but I’m not all about scoring, it just comes when it comes,” the humble team player said. “I’m just glad to see all the hard work I put in paying off this season.”
Kleiver, the son of Craig and Andrea Kleiver, has several colleges looking to obtain his athletic prowess for next season as he plans to play college basketball and major in business with a minor in sports marketing. But before he decides on a college or even thinks about that, he has unfinished business with his Hornet team.
“Our goal is to make it all the way and to win a championship this year and I really like our chances,” the determined athlete strongly stated.
