Hopper went on an offensive tear during the latter part of the season, and has shown no signs of letting up as the team has won 10 straight games heading into the State AA tournament, which begins Friday at Yankton. During a recent tournament in Sioux Falls, Hopper collected 10 base hits, drove in a dozen runs in a three-game stretch, and has helped Aberdeen to a 28-7 record this season. For his efforts, Hopper is the American News Athlete of the Week.
His team's sparkling record is not a big surprise to Hopper or his teammates.
"I think we kind of expected it," Hopper said. "We had some pretty good talent and thought we could win state if we play our best."
Keeping their minds on doing their best along with some good pitching and hitting has provided the team with a memorable season thus far.
"We have been really focusing and pitching really good," Hopper said. "And lately we've been hitting the ball good."
Hopper's season was starting to warm up even before his three games in Sioux Falls.
"I had seven hits in a doubleheader before that (tournament)," said Hopper, who usually bats third or fourth in the lineup.
The 17-year-old has posted numbers that would be the envy of some major league players. His batting average is a healthy .464 and with a team-leading 51 hits to go with 39 runs batted in, also a team high. He also leads the club in doubles.
Aberdeen coach Tyson Paulson said Hopper has really caught fire at the plate as the season wears on.
"He has just been going crazy," said Paulson, who also coached Hopper two seasons ago. "He has 14 doubles and about six or seven have been during that stretch. He has developed so much and has been fun to watch.
Hopper's contributions on the mound have been important as well. He is a perfect 5-0 with a 3.89 earned run average and has thrown 34 2/3 innings this season, ranking third on the staff in that statistic. Opponents are batting a measly .173 against him.
"He's the number one or two (pitcher) of the staff and always gives us a chance to win ball games," Paulson said.
Along with Hopper, who also plays first base, the rest of the pitching staff consists of Logan Karst, Bailey Hauge, Spencer Grosz and Isaac Fredrick. Hopper is grateful to be surrounded by a team that can pool all of its talents and find success.
"It's just nice to know that we can do a bunch of different things," Hopper said.
Aberdeen begins play at the State AA tournament Friday facing Pierre in a pool-play game at 3:45 p.m. Brandon Valley and Sioux Falls South are also in Aberdeen's pool.
Personal
Family: Parents, Barb and Mike Hopper.
Favorite athlete: Joe Mauer.
Favorite team: Minnesota Twins.
Hobbies: Fishing, being outdoors.
Best advice received:"If you have a bad day, you have to get over it, because you'll have plenty of other chances."
Favorite athletic memory:"Hitting two home runs in a tournament a couple years back."