Naperville North guard Kenzie Hare is rarely seen without a smile on her face.
The 5-foot-9 senior varies the wattage, which can range from a smirk to a sly grin to a high-beamed ray of sunshine.
It’s why Hare is nicknamed “Cheese” by her teammates.
“She’s just been a big ball of positive energy, constantly go-go-go,” Naperville North coach Erin Colletti said. “She’s such a goof off the floor and such a fun person to be around.”
The Huskies had plenty of fun this season and the Saint Louis-bound Hare, the 2021-22 Naperville Sun Girls Basketball Player of the Year, was the catalyst.
In her only season at Naperville North, Hare averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 3.1 assists. The Bartlett transfer shot 41% from 3-point range, making 114 to finish with 402 in her career.
Hare was the ideal replacement for three-time player of the year Greta Kampschroeder, who had turned the Huskies into an area power.
Naperville North (30-4) won its fourth straight undefeated DuPage Valley Conference championship and reached its first sectional final since 1996.
“I knew we were going to be a good team,” Hare said. “They already had a solid base when I got here and then I feel like we totally clicked.
“It was amazing. It was a great group to play with. We were so close, and that’s what made us super special.”
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Hare was already close with some of her teammates after playing on the same travel team. But for others, teaming with Hare was an eye-opening experience.
Junior guard Abby Drendel got to know Hare last summer.
“If I’ve learned anything from her, it’s definitely her work ethic,” Drendel said. “During quarantine, I’d go to the gym and I’d always see her there.
“I remember one time last year, we went and shot. It was Greta, me, (Alison Kickel) and a couple people. She’s like, ‘I’ve been here since 4 in the afternoon,’ and it was 9 o’clock at night.”
Drendel then asked Hare, “Are you serious? ‘Yeah, I stay until it closes almost every night.’ We’re like, that’s the best life you could have, staying in the gym all day.”
All those hours in the gym produced a terrifically talented all-around player.
Already a great shooter and scorer, Hare also wowed onlookers this season with her willingness to go to extremes to save balls from going out of bounds, sometimes crashing into the bleachers.
“I’ve definitely gotten stronger and continue to get faster, more athletic,” Hare said. “It allows me to make more plays where I’m putting my body on the line and whatever happens, happens.
“I’m just willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win.”
Colletti saw that determination every day.
“She’s the ultimate competitor,” Colletti said. “She replaced the competitive edge Greta brought to practice — always finishing first in sprints, always pushing herself in every single drill, gets mad at herself if her team isn’t winning in practice.”
Colletti and assistant coach Molly Murray witnessed that drive off the court too.
“At this pasta party, Murray and I played Ping-Pong against her and (Sarah) Crossett, and she was getting so mad because she’s so competitive,” Colletti said. “That side of her is so amazing and admirable, which is why she’s such a high-achieving athlete.”
Yet Hare’s popularity stems from her humble attitude and sunny disposition as much as her talent.
“Girls can be intimidating to play with if they’re really good, but she never makes anyone on her team feel that way,” Colletti said. “When you’re really good, you can get frustrated with people that aren’t as good as you, but she’s never like that.
“She’s always encouraging, always helping people.”
Hare finished her career with 2,494 points, 575 rebounds, 312 assists and 298 steals. She was named the DuPage Valley Conference Player of the Year and first team all-state by The Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
For Hare, it was a season — and a school — to cherish.
“It was such a great atmosphere to play in,” Hare said. “The community is awesome. I’m definitely super proud to be a Huskie.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.