CANYON, TEXAS – West Texas A&M head men's basketball coach Tom Brown has announced the addition of local standout Kaden Hooker for the 2026-27 campaign.
 
"Kaden is a great young man that will only make our team and program better. He is a competitor and has a great understanding of the game" said Brown "We have watched Kaden the past few years and have been impressed with the way he plays the game. He is a true team player and competitor. We are excited to welcome Kaden Hooker to the Buff Family."
 
The three-sport star at West Plains High School was a TABC All-State selection and the District 4-4A Player of the Year on the hardwood under head coach Kendall Cogburn. The 5'11 guard averaged 15.3 points per game for the Wolves while shooting 44.7% from behind the arc and 89.4% from the free throw line to go along with averaging 4.3 assists per game.
 
"Kaden has been a cornerstone of our program at point guard for the past four years. Since opening a new high school four years ago, he has helped lead our program to success in a short amount of time, culminating in a State Semifinal appearance this season while earning All-State honors" said Cogburn "I'm excited about Kaden's future. He is a high-character young man, a proven winner, and someone who brings a consistent work ethic every single day."
 
Hooker was selected to the Press Pass Sports Boys Basketball Team, leading the young West Plains program to its most successful season ever on the court, with an undefeated District 4-4A title and a berth in the Class 4A Division I state semifinals Kaden also excelled in the classroom as a TABC Academic All-State selection.
 
"He has found success in every sport he has played and has consistently set the standard for what it means to represent our program the right way" added Cogburn "There aren't many athletes who can say they've earned state medals in basketball, football, and baseball at the 4A level, but Kaden is one of them. WT Men's Basketball is getting a good one. They're getting a competitor, a leader, and a young man who knows what it takes to win. Go Buffs!"