ABOVE: Fairmont's Hadan Toomer hunts for space in a Big South Conference boys basketball game against Redwood Valley in Fairmont on Dec.10.

FAIRMONT – Six-foot senior Fairmont guard Hadan Toomer sets a standard for being a teammate in his fourth year on the court for the Cardinal outfit.

“He leads by example,” said Fairmont boys basketball head coach Jared Thompson. “Never afraid of hard work and is as tough as anybody I’ve coached. Always puts the team first.”

Toomer plays with ferocity on the court giving his all every second he’s on the court a mentality he carries through basketball and on the football field. Starting at a young age by playing catch with his brother or heading down to the park to play one-on-one, Toomer cites his relationship with his family as a motivating factor for the way he approaches the game.

“I’d say my dad and my brother are kind of the biggest people for that,” said Toomer. “Just because they’ve always been so hard on me. And especially my brother, just because he’s always pushing me to be my best and going to the gym all the time with him, we would always play one-on-one. But yeah, mainly my brother and my dad.”

As his senior year continues Toomer, who is currently averaging 9 points, four rebounds and three assists per game, is enjoying playing with his classmates, which he missed out on when he got bumped to the varsity team early in his playing career.

“I’d say just the memories,” said Toomer. “Playing with all my buddies, especially this year, because I did get moved up my 10th grade year and I wasn’t able to play with my friends. But this year is super fun just because they’re the buddies I grew up with playing. So now it’s all fun to play together at the same level.”

Toomer’s court awareness has been key in his success enabling him to find the open man and make snap decisions to keep the offense moving.

“I tend to make the right play, like the easy pass and I try to limit the turnovers. I can normally find the open guy,” said Toomer.

His defensive skills are a big part of his contributions on the court, mentioning Jrue Holiday as an inspiration to the way he approaches the game.

“Jrue Holiday,” said Toomer. “Just because of how great he is on defense. And that’s kind of my strong suit.”

Toomer is looking forward to the games against the Blue Earth Area Buccaneers and Jackson County Central this season.

“Jackson or Blue Earth, just because of how close they are,” said Toomer. “And it’s always a super fun or close game against them.”

Outside of his time spent with the team, he prefers to spend his time with family and friends or simply working on his studies. Toomer is currently planning to attend a trade school after high school wanting to become an electrician.

“A lot of hanging out with my family or friends,” said Toomer. “And just kind of working

on schoolwork. And I love to be on the lake with my friends, too. I like to jet ski.”

The Cardinals’ next game will be against JCC at 7:15 p.m. Friday in Fairmont.