Fornstrom focused on defense, shooting

Hyleigh Fornstrom is dead serious when she says playing defense is her favorite thing about basketball.

“Our coaches always say that’s what wins games, and I really believe it,” the Pine Bluffs senior said. “I like having the challenge of getting the ball back. Scoring points is great, but I really enjoy the challenge of stopping the other team.

“Once you get a few stops, they just shut down. That’s great.”

With that mentality, it’s little wonder why Fornstrom was second among the Lady Hornets in steals last season with 69. She also deflected four more passes.

“I would like to be more of a scorer, but I feel like defense is where I can really help my team,” Fornstrom said. “It doesn’t always have to be a steal. Sometimes, it’s a tipped ball, or just getting your hands up and making it hard to pass that leads to someone else’s steal.”

Fornstrom averaged 7.1 points and five rebounds per game to help Pine Bluffs go 20-4 and take third at the Class 2A state tournament last season.

She will continue to play on the wing as she has in season’s past. However, the 6-footer also will end up in the post this winter. Fornstrom played a lot of post during her summer with the Wyoming BEASTS travelling team. She is more than willing to fill whatever role she is asked to.

“It’s really nice to be able to go back-and-forth between the wing and post,” Fornstrom said. “I really appreciate having that opportunity. It has helped me become a better player overall. I have gotten a better feel for the game because of it.”

Fornstrom’s efforts on the summer circuit are evident, Hornets coach Lindsey Forbes said.

“Her post play is a lot smoother so far,” she said. “She looks a lot more confident and smooth around the rim.”

That last part is important, as both player and coach said Fornstrom must improve her shooting percentage this winter. Both thought Fornstrom left dozens of points on the rim.

“As long as she can finish put-backs, she could score 10 or 12 points per night just off offensive rebounds,” Forbes said.

Fornstrom was her own worst enemy on the offensive end of the floor. She tried to overcome her struggles by focusing on fundamentals. Her constant mental reminders about fundamentals slowed her down, made her mechanical, which only compounded her offensive woes.

“I was so tight because I was thinking about what I had to do and everything I had been taught,” she said. “I needed to relax and let everything I’ve learned and practice take over.

“I feel like I have relaxed a lot. I don’t feel like I have to take the responsibility of scoring all on myself. We have so many good shooters on this team, that we’re all going to have a lot of help.”