-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Hunter Horn of St. Edmond goes up for a dunk against South Hamilton inside Wells Fargo Arena

Faced with a decision that would ultimately guide his high school career, Hunter Horn looked to the two people he trusted the most to help him.

“If it wasn’t for my parents, I honestly would have stayed at Fort Dodge and probably quit basketball and focused on something else,” Horn said. “Looking back at it, I’m beyond grateful for making the change.

“Coming to St. Edmond has helped me not only grow as an athlete but as a student and person, as well. I feel there is a family-like atmosphere and overall super positive environment to grow in.”

Horn became a Gael near the end of his freshman season, joining Adolph Kochendorfer’s basketball team the following winter. After helping lead St. Edmond to a 12-12 campaign a sa sophomore, Horn and the green and white went 23-4 last year, reaching the Class 1A state tournament semifinals.

St. Edmond is currently off to a red-hot 5-0 start, winning by an average of 23.4 points per game. Horn is posting 28 points with 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal per game on 54 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from the 3-point line.

“I think it’s great we know what it’s like to be that ‘underdog’ constantly going into games with nothing to lose and now all that hard work we’ve put in during the offseason is being seen,” Horn said. “Every single night we have to be at our best. We can never relax and think it’s gonna be a cake walk.

“As a team, we have a saying, ‘remember that feeling,’ because we hated the feeling of losing those big games in our sophomore and junior years. We try to focus on that one game at a time, making sure we’re coming out ready to play.”

Experience is a bonus for this current Gael starting unit, as all five are seniors in Carson Bargfrede, Grant Galles, Jakob Koopman and Jack McElroy. Galles, Koopman and McElroy have been together the past three seasons, with Bargfrede joining last winter.

“My teammates and coaches have greatly influenced the player I am today,” Horn said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be anywhere near the player I am. Having these people push me in practice and open gyms definitely influenced me in so many ways and I’m super grateful for everyone around me and what they have done for me.”

He also continues to climb the school career scoring chart, sitting at fourth all-time with 1,246 points. John Engler is next in his path with 1,270 points, as Andrew Gibb sits first with 1,539 followed by Nick Clark with 1,437.

Horn’s parents, Iowa Central athletic director and former head trainer, Guy Horn, and head volleyball coach, Sara Horn, placed the importance of preparation in him at a young age. Long hours spent both in the gym and watching film became the norm.

“My work ethic and attention to detail definitely come from my parents,” he said. “Being surrounded by athletics growing up definitely shaped me into loving that part of the game. I think that’s helped me grow and develop in so many different ways by simply loving to watch and learn the game better.”

Horn, who continues to weigh his college options, has also been involved in football, golf and track and field throughout his high school career.

“Being a Gael means an absolute ton to me,” Horn said. “Transferring mid-year was super hard because I had to leave all my friends that I grew up with and was going to a school where I hardly knew anyone.

“But as soon as I walked in those doors, I was welcomed with open arms. Being a Gael means everyone there is family and it’s just a very close community where everyone supports each other.”

Vacation destination: Hawaii or Greece

People I would like to have dinner with: Michael Jordan and Adam Sandler

It would surprise people that I: love playing golf even though I’m not very good

My sports role model: My Dad and Michael Jordan

My everyday role model: My Mom and Dad

I can’t go a day without: my phone or basketball

Nickname: Hunnet

Superstition: I always had to have Jimmy John’s and a blue Powerade before every basketball game

Most heated rivalry: Bishop Garrigan or Humboldt

Favorite road trip: driving to Gulf Shores with my family last year

What are you listening to right now? Drake

What is your go to song? ‘What Did I Miss?’ by Drake, Oz, Tay Keith

Favorites…

Team: Iowa

Athlete: Michael Jordan and Anthony Edwards

Class: Science

Movie: Baby Driver

Something you binge watch: Stranger Things

Book or Magazine: any Sports Illustrated

Phone app: Instagram or Messages