Coach praises Hawks’ effort in state tournament play

ANCHORAGE — Heading into the 2014 3A state championships, the Houston Hawks knew there would be no easy road through tournament. The Hawks shared the top side of the bracket with three of the top 3A teams in the 2013 tourney.

Houston opened with Southcentral Conference champion Anchorage Christian School, the 2013 state-runner up, in the first round. After a 75-29 loss to the Lions in the quarterfinals Thursday, Houston moved into a Friday game with Nome, which finished fourth in state last year. Defending state champion Monroe Catholic was also on the top side of the bracket.

But regardless what his team was dealt with, Houston head coach Steve Henderson had nothing but praise about his team’s effort following a 72-35 loss to Nome Friday at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

“I’m so proud of the effort. When we were down by whatever we were down in the fourth quarter, those guys were still battling like it was a zero-zero game,” Henderson said.

While it’s tough to end the season with a pair of double-digit losses, Henderson said the Hawks achieved their primary goal. Houston advanced to the state tournament, erasing a 14-year draught for the program. Houston last made the 3A tourney in 2000.

“We talked about our goals at the beginning of the year. The first thing that came out of their mouths (was) they wanted to play at the Sullivan,” Henderson said. “And they did that.”

Houston played through peaks and valleys during the 2013-14 season, but Henderson said things really began to click during the final two days of the Southcentral Conference Championships earlier this month in Cordova. After a first-round loss to Homer, the Hawks found themselves with their backs against the wall. But the Hawks fought back, won three straight and grabbed the conference’s third automatic bid to the state tournament.

“The way we came together and the end of the year was phenomenal. Going into the region tournament, I don’t think anybody gave us a shot,” Henderson said. “They way we played those last three games, it was like a whole different team.”

There are nine seniors and two freshmen on the Houston roster. Henderson said he’s happy his nine seniors had the chance to experience going to the state tournament before the end of their careers. He also has two freshmen (Kade Taylor and Kendall Ruta) who now have that experience.

“Those two guys have some memories, experience to share with everyone else, which is huge for next year,” Henderson said.

Nome 72, Houston 35

3A boys consolation round

Friday, Sullivan Arena

Houston 9-12-8-6—35

Nome 15-21-9-27—72

Houston (35) — Kleewein 2 0-0 4, L. Taylor 2 0-0 4, Barron 5 6-7 19, Sachaeo 1 0-1 3, M. Ruta 2 0-0 5; Totals: 12 6-8 35.

Nome (72) — Gray 2 0-0 4, Booshu 0 1-1 1, Pate 1 1-2 3, Baker 7 0-1 20, Tunley 0 4-4 4, Dickson 0 2-2 2, Eide 2 3-6 8, Booth 0 3-6 3, Head 1 2-4 4, Johnson 2 0-0 4, Mattheis 7 5-9 19; Totals: 22 21-35 72.

3-point field goals: Houston 5 (Barron 3), Nome 7 (Baker 6); Total fouls: Houston 26, Nome 14.

ACS 75, Houston 29

3A quarterfinals

Thursday, Sullivan Arena

Houston 7-11-6-5—29

ACS 20-20-21-14—75

Houston (29) — Kleewein 1 0-0 2, Griffith 0 2-2 2, K. Taylor 1 0-0 2, Baird 3 0-0 6, L. Taylor 2 0-2 4, K. Ruta 1 0-0 3, Elson 1 0-0 2, Barron 2 0-0 5, Sachao 1 0-0 3; Totals: 12 2-6 29.

ACS (75) — Hoffman 4 1-2 13, Wilson 4 0-0 8, Monzon 5 0-1 10, Simmers 0 9-10 9, I. Lopez 2 7-7 11, Scott 1 0-0 2, Kohutek 1 0-0 2, C. Lopez 2 0-0 5, Auble 6 0-1 15; Totals: 25 17-21 75.

3-point field goals: Houston 3 (3 tied with 1), ACS 8 (Hoffman 4); Total fouls: Houston 19, ACS 5.