Deep senior class for Hawk boys

MAT-SU — With seven seniors on his squad, Houston head coach Dave Porter knows the 2011-12 edition of the Hawks has potential to make some noise this year.

During the preseason Valley Jamboree last weekend, Porter saw some great things. He also saw some things that left him scratching his head.

“I’m still trying to figure this group out,” Porter said earlier this week. “This group is interesting. I’m not really sure what we are going to do.”

In the Jamboree, Porter said his team played great against state power Wasilla, taking the Warriors to overtime in a scrimmage. The Hawks also beat Colony.

“Then we turn around and get our butt kicked by (Anchorage Christian School),” Porter said.

On paper, the Hawks have the talent to succeed, and Porter has confidence in the players on his roster.

“We’ve got a good group of kids, quite a few seniors,” Porter said. “Usually I have a better feel. But they’re good kids. They mean well.”

Porter will have a deep senior class this year with Scott Kramer, Tyler Barron, Beau Frank, Russ Ruta, Jamison Richey, Phillip Pease and Theo Stone on the roster.

Kramer is expected to be a top scorer on the squad. But Frank and Ruta should also be regulars on the scoresheet, and should both provide a threat from the perimeter.

Porter is looking for Barron and Pease to be his leaders inside.

“Both are super strong kids,” Porter said.

Barron is an athlete who typically plays bigger than his size and can contribute in a variety of ways.

“He’s a hustler. He cuts well,” Porter said of Barron. “He’s also got a nice little midrange short corner jump shot, sort of an X factor in his game.”

Pease returns to the program after a year away from basketball. He’s been bothered by a knee injury, Porter said, but if healthy, the head coach believes the big forward can make an impact.

“Phillip has amazing hands,” Porter said. “He can bury people in the post.”

In addition to his seniors, Porter also has a few sophomores — including Matt Barron and Mitchell Ruta — who could provide valuable minutes.

Houston, which opened its season late Thursday at Sitka, will play its final 4A season in the Mid-Alaska Conference before dropping back to join the 3A Southcentral Conference next season.

In addition to its conference games, Houston also has the Nikiski and Grace Christian tournaments on its schedule.

** Editor’s Note: This is one of a multi-part series previewing the seasons of the local prep basketball teams. Continue to see future editions for more prep basketball preview stories.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiesman.com.