Hagel chasing royalty in Peoria
<span>Warriors senior Nic Hagel is after his own crown for Steeleville.</span>
<span>More than a decade after Steeleville High School alumnus Adam Eggemeyer won the state's King of the Hill slam dunk competition in 2005, Hagel is hoping to win the 3-point version of the event next weekend in Peoria.</span>
<span>"It's insane," Hagel said on Saturday. "I've been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. I'm still in shock.</span>
<span>"Last year, I didn't even make it out of regionals."</span>
<span>Hagel made 60 3-pointers during the season and 12 in the COUNTRY Financial 3-point showdown regional finals at the Crab Orchard Regional.</span>
<span>He was named an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association honorable mention all-state selection after a season in which he averaged 19.9 points per game.</span>
<span>Hagel finished second in the sectional contest after a shootout - earning a trip to the state tournament at Carver Arena - and swished another 10 on Friday to win the Class 1A title.</span>
<span>Now, the Lincoln Land Community College recruit will compete against the Class 2A, 3A and 4A winners for the King of the Hill title at 1:45 p.m. next Saturday back at Carver Arena.</span>
<span>"It's all about rhythm," Hagel said. "You have to keep the pace the entire time; you have to find your release point and you have to keep your feet square.</span>
<span>"If you get over the nerves and it's just you and the basket, it makes it a lot easier on yourself."</span>
<span>Hagel was asked whether 10 was the magic number to reach.</span>
<span>"I feel like it is," he said. "A lot of the shooters I've talked to, that's everybody's goal to get at least 10.</span>
<span>"I think that number puts some pressure on the other contestants."</span>
<span>Hagel beat out Colfax Ridgeview's Drew Jones (nine), East Dubuque's Brendan Dutler (eight) and Dieterich's Nick Feldhake (seven) to win the Class 1A title.</span>
<span>"It's cool because I looked up to Adam Eggemeyer when I was a kid and now I have an opportunity to win the 3-point," Hagel said. "It means a lot to me and I'm glad to be able to represent Steeleville."</span>
<span>Off the court, Hagel is enjoying the attention he's receiving from his accomplishments and is aware of how his run could inspire others.</span>
<span>"It kinda gives me the feeling of being a celebrity, which is really cool, and having these little kids come up to you asking for your autograph gives you a bit of confidence," he said.</span>
<span>Hagel is also scheduled to compete in two all-star games, with the first being the Rend Lake Lions Club All-Star Game on March 25.</span>
<span>He will also compete at the 29th Annual All-Star Classic at John A. Logan College on April 10. Hagel's coach, Bryce Bainter, will coach the West Team at that event.</span>
<span>"It's definitely a great feeling," Hagel said of the all-star selections. "I know I'm getting to play in college next year, but it's great to put on the shoes I've worn at Steeleville.</span>
<span>"I'm glad I still get to continue on a little bit at the high school level."</span>
<span>Hagel was asked his thoughts on his potential Class 3A and 4A competition.</span>
<span>"I'm sure that there's going to be a tremendous amount of talent behind the 3-point line," he said. "I'm sure they're going to have it out to beat me.</span>
<span>"I don't really know what to expect, I've never watched a Class 3A or 4A game before, so that will be new for me."</span>