Fab Five Hopkins girls basketball photo feature celebrates the Royals’ 27-3 season and runner-up finish at the 2026 Class 4A state tournament under head coach Tara Starks.
Tara Starks
Posted inSports
Hopkins starts season with win
Since taking the helm in 2020, Coach Tara Starks has kept Hopkins among the nation’s best, collecting two Class 4A state titles and building a powerhouse roster. The Royals opened their season with a 78 to 74 win over Providence Academy, led by balanced scoring from Jaliyah Diggs, Ava Cupito, Mariahna Davis, Langia Durant and Emma Walker. Hopkins looks every bit like a contender again.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Outstanding girls basketball coach could hoop too
Starks has led the Royal to four consecutive Class 4A championship games with runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, and titles 2022 and 2025.
Posted inSports
Fab Five photos feature top high school players and coaches
This week’s Fab Five photo spread is composed of players and coaches from nationally ranked teams who competed in the championship game of the 2022 Girls Basketball Invitational.
Posted inSports
Three whose careers are on the upswing
Tara Starks, Lu’Cye Patterson and Kendall Brown have taken important steps in furthering their careers and futures. Let’s take a look at what has happened to them in recent months.