Honey Badgers guard Cody John had a career night in Hamilton’s July 3 home-opener against the Guelph Nighthawks, propelling his team to what then was its third consecutive victory.

A team-high 23 points, his most prolific output in two seasons in the CEBL, was punctuated with a game-winning three-point basket to close out the Elam Ending and seal a 102-98 victory. It was his first Elam Ending winning shot. Observers expect that it won’t be his last.

John spoke about his big game, which included four three-pointers, in the humblest of ways.

“It came down to my teammates believing in me, and my coaching staff putting me in the right spots,” said John. “I give all the credit to my teammates finding me in the right positions. All I had to do was make shots.”

John turned himself into the first option coming off the bench for the Honey Badgers during the first half of the season. The 24-year-old doesn’t play for personal accolades, nor does he focus on roles within the team. Once he hits the court John’s only goal is to play as hard as he possibly can. Whatever the coaching staff wants John to do that’s what he does, whether that’s getting defensive stops or baskets.

Honey Badgers head coach Ryan Schmidt believes that John has taken a leap from last season, and it’s all thanks to his work ethic.

“Last season Cody played limited minutes, and he struggled a bit, but you saw the potential, and his talent,” said Schmidt. “I’ve told him his performance this season is based on his overall work ethic and on his mindset. He’s been working hard, and it’s great to see the results.”

John is the definition of hard work paying off. While the Toronto native’s 16-point third quarter against Guelph in the home-opener has been the highlight thus far, he’s confident more big performances are in store.

“I’m just playing more freely, and with confidence,” John said. “I’m just out here there playing.”

And making game-winning contributions to the Honey Badgers as the 2021 season reaches its mid-way point.