Division I basketball commit Bryce Hopkins will not be stopped after completing his senior year and last Fenwick season. Hopkins has committed to the University of Kentucky to carry on his basketball career and explore the opportunities he has been presented. Holding the Fenwick single season scoring record of 817 points last year and being named the Chicago Catholic League Lawless Player of the Year, Hopkins has gone above and beyond. His awards and achievements have not only shown his dedication and passion for the game, but also the hard work Hopkins has accomplished. 

Coach Peck comments, “Bryce is a high school player that Fenwick sees once in a generation. His ability to face failure and respond with tireless work twelve months a year has turned him into the great player that he currently is. This ability to respond to adversity with motivation will help him be successful at the next level and beyond basketball. His work ethic is also an example to any and all kids in our basketball program.” 

In addition to playing his own game, Hopkins has helped inspire young children to work hard and achieve their goals. Hopkins’s teammates can attest to his determination and leadership on the court, especially when it comes to game time. Coach Peck says, “Bryce is also a great kid that gets along with his teammates and classmates. He does not act any different than the other kids on our team. He goes about his days with a humble and quiet business-like mentality.” Hopkins will be missed, but this is only the beginning of his journey and Fenwick will forever be grateful for his contributions to Friar Nation. 

Q&A with Bryce Hopkins:

The Wick: How has Fenwick shaped you into the person you are today both on and off the court?

Bryce Hopkins (B. H.): Fenwick has shaped me into the person I am today because I have developed many valuable traits that I will use for the rest of my life. I believe that Fenwick shaped me into the person I am today, starting in the classroom and the culture we have as a student body. The teachers hold you to a higher standard and demand you to work hard and give it your all. This translates onto the basketball court because I hold myself to high standards and give my all when I am playing.

Wick: What has been your biggest motivation in your basketball career?

B. H.: My biggest motivation to succeed in my basketball career has been and still is my family. Whether it is my Mom, Dad, sister, uncles or aunties, they are always there to support me and pick me up when I am down. They’ve had my back through it all so when I make it, I will make sure to give back to them and make sure that they are all right. 

Wick: What has been your favorite memory about Fenwick basketball and Fenwick in general?

B. H.: My favorite basketball memory from Fenwick was my sophomore year when we played against OPRF, our crosstown rivals, and I hit the buzzer-beater to win the game. The atmosphere was CRAZY, and our student section was alive. I would do anything to go back and relive that moment again. In general, I would say that I will remember all of the great relationships I have built over my four years at Fenwick. 

Wick: Why did you choose Kentucky and when did you know that you wanted to play college basketball?

B. H.: I chose to commit to the University of Kentucky because I love the culture that they have there. The history of Kentucky and all of the achievements that they’ve accomplished over the years speak for themselves. They also push their players to the next level if they take care of their business, so I know that if I go there and do what I have to do, my dreams of playing in the NBA will come true. I would say when I was in 7th-8th grade I definitely knew that I wanted to play college basketball. 

Wick: How has COVID-19 affected your basketball career?

B. H.: COVID-19 has impacted my basketball career a lot. I wasn’t able to play my last year of AAU basketball with the Mokan Elite which would’ve been a really fun time and another season for me to make more memories with my teammates. It also affected our high school season because even though we are having a season, we aren’t able to compete for a state championship, and that was one of my goals that I wanted to accomplish coming into high school. Don’t get me wrong–I am grateful to even have a season, especially when just a few months ago my teammates and I didn’t even think we would play another game. I’m just glad to put my Fenwick jersey on one more time and make the best out of what we have. 

Wick: What are you most looking forward to in the rest of your senior year?

B. H.: I’m most looking forward to our end of the season tournament that we are having. There are many great teams in the tournament and if we were to win the tournament that would be a great ending to my high school career. 

Wick: How have your coaches shaped you into who you are?

B. H.: My coaches have played a big role in the player I am today. From my middle school coaches to my AAU coaches to sophomore and varsity coaches, they have all made me who I am today. They have taught me what I need to know in order to play at the next level. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me. 

Wick: How have your teammates impacted you?

B. H.: My teammates have impacted my basketball career because they push me day in and day out at practice. Without them I wouldn’t be anything because basketball is a team sport. I need them by my side when we step onto the court. I love my team at Fenwick, especially this year, and I wish we had more time to keep making memories. 

Wick: Is there one moment that you can call the most influential/memorable in your basketball or school career?

B. H.: All in all, the most memorable moment in my basketball career was signing my national letter of intent to the University of Kentucky to play college basketball and receive a quality education for free. This is the most memorable moment because all of the countless blood, sweat, and tears put into the game before that moment all became reality and puts me one step closer to my overall dream in becoming a professional basketball player. I just have to keep my eye on the prize, stay focused, and my dreams will come true.