The Colton Cornwell Interview (Chambersburg, PA)

March 21, 2023

The Colton Cornwell Interview (Chambersburg, PA)

Name: Colton Cornwell

Hometown: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-3

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Chambersburg (PA)

Graduation Class: 2026

AAU Club: Team Pennsylvania

GPA: 4.5

Status: Uncommitted

CHAMBERSBURG, PA -- Colton Cornwell is a 6-3 Shooting Guard from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a freshman at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, and runs with Team Pennsylvania on the AAU Circuit. Cornwell is the nephew of Chambersburg High great, Eric Bender, who passed away in early 2021.

I usually have a script ready for these situations, but Cornwell nailed his interview very well, the floor is all his. I caught up with the 2026 sharpshooter on his first year experience, family’s athletic history and preparation for sophomore year. Check it out below.

Colton Cornwell Interview

Colton Cornwell! Welcome my guy. Let's get to it, when did you first start playing basketball?

"I first started playing basketball around the age of 4. I played in an Upward basketball league my parents entered me into, and I immediately fell in love with it. I then eventually started playing with my friends on our Chambersburg Travel team."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint

"I would describe myself as a knockdown shooter. I can hit from anywhere on the court, and have a solid pull-up game in the mid range. I also have a high basketball IQ. I use that to my advantage to create for my teammates on the offensive end of the floor."

How was your first year experience at Chambersburg?

"I couldn’t have asked for a better first year anywhere else. At first, it was a very stressful thing to think about going into high school. As I continued to progress through my first year though, it continued to get better and better as well as easier in many aspects."

How was freshman season?

"There were highs and lows for sure, but at the end of the day it was an amazing season. Our senior group of guys were amazing to me. Those will be people I will forever have a friendship with moving forward. Then, to top it off with a run to states at the end of the season. It made me realize how much hard work we put in throughout the entire season despite the highs-and-lows that we went through together."

Being the nephew of Eric Bender and two parents who played Division 1 on the diamond, you come from a family background of great athletes. Having a strong support system, how does that motivate you to be the best player you can be?

"Man words can’t describe how blessed I feel to come from a family with a strong support system. I know they will support me to be the best I can be. However, in the terms of my uncle, it gives me something to play and compete for. The hours we put in together day in and day out will not go to waste, and I promised him that before every game. Seeing all the banners, murals, and stats from my uncle’s time at Chambersburg, it motivates me to do the same. Even greater to potentially overachieve with what he has done. Only because I know that is what he would have wanted and nothing less."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"One of the main things I need to improve is my quickness. To add on with that comes explosive and weightlifting, which is one of the main things I plan on doing throughout this offseason. I also will train with Unleashed Potential in Carlisle once a week. Also, believe it or not, I plan to do yoga as well to give me more flexibility."

Who is your favorite basketball player and why?

"Stephen Curry hands down. I grew up watching him hit logo threes on the regular, and it made me want to be just like him. I also learned a-lot from players like Demar Derozan on needing to have a lot of skill other than just behind the arc."

Who would you consider your role models?

"My number one role model has got to be my dad. Seeing and hearing how hard he has and continues to work, it makes me want to do the same throughout the course of my athletic and future work careers. My other role model is my Uncle. Seeing what he has accomplished, the way he carried himself, having such swagger but yet so humble, he makes me want to be just like him."

If there was a game of 21 between you, Aedan and Grayson right at this very moment, who would win?

"Me for sure. Aedan would just try to shoot threes, which means I would get easy taps to get to the free throw line. Grayson would just spam dribble moves. until he got to the paint to shoot a fade or pull-up. He would make like 10 straight without missing, but then I would get the ball back and win."

As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?

"I want to go to a school that offers a good education. Hopefully warmer than most. Not too too hot, but not cold either. I also want to go to a school that is bigger, so that I can get to know more people."

What are your expectations heading into sophomore season?

"I expect myself to take my game to another level. To carry myself with a mentality that is different than this year. I also want to lead my team to a successful season, and give my teammates a season to never forget."

Thank you Colton for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

"Not much else to say, but THANK YOU Reese for working on this interview with me. I loved all the questions and cannot wait to keep working with you in the future."