Boys hoops: Young Hawks will have to grow up fast at 4A level

HOUSTON — Houston boys basketball coach David Porter knows the Hawks' first year as part of the Class 4A Mid-Alaska Conference isn't going to be easy. And that doesn't bother him a bit.

“I'm excited,” Porter said before the season began. “But we've also got our work cut out for us.”

Houston's first challenge will be its lack of experience. The Hawks lost a host of seniors to graduation, and only a couple of this year's players have seen even limited varsity action.

“We're going to be very young this year,” Porter said.

Houston has just four seniors on its roster, and only two — center Ben Castleberry and guard Jon Tymick — are returning varsity players. Neither was much of a factor for the Hawks last season, but Porter said they'll both be called upon heavily this season.

Though Houston's first four games of the season — all losses — Castleberry has been the Hawks' offensive leader, averaging 15.8 points per game against tough early-season competition that included Wasilla, Palmer, Chugiak and Bartlett.

Primarily a low-post player, Castleberry had a season high 22 points Friday as the Hawks nearly knocked off Chugiak in the Palmer Elks Shootout.

Porter is also expecting a solid season from sophomore guard/forward Scott Herman. A tall, lanky player who can shoot and handle the ball, Herman will be key to Houston's attack.

“He's developed so much over the summer,” Porter said.

Junior guard Ryan Contreras, along with senior forwards James Steed and Israel Morales, also figure to be a big part of Houston's rotation this season.

Porter also mentioned a couple of underclassmen — sophomore guard Zack Qual and freshman guard Max Rothley — as youngsters who will get a chance to help the cause.

With such a young, inexperienced team, Porter said he's not expecting anything more than a solid effort on the part of his team. So far, he said the Hawks have been giving him just that.

“We've been working out tails off in practice,” he said.

As with any team expected to be outgunned on most nights, Porter said his team must play smart, fundamental basketball in order to compete.

“Teamwork and not turning the ball over,” he said. “That is going to be crucial for us.”

Though wins have been hard to come by in the early season, Porter said his biggest goal early on is to have is team prepared once the conference season rolls around.

“Hopefully, we'll be playing our best basketball that time of year,” he said.

In the Mid Alaska, Houston will be pitted against the likes of Lathrop, West Valley and North Pole, schools with much larger enrollments and far more established 4A programs. They've also got a difficult non conference schedule that includes both Class 4A state finalists in Wasilla and Colony.

“We've got a tough schedule ahead of us, but I like it that way,” he said. “I think that's only going to make us better.”

Although the task will be somewhat daunting, Porter said he believes his young team has the potential to surprise some people this year.

“If we can hold onto the ball and move the ball and be efficient on offense, I think we can compete.”

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@

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