Hawks' hoops squads young

HOUSTON -- The Houston Hawk boys' basketball squad has the upperclassman, the girls don't, but regardless of age each squad will hit the court with a lack of experience this season.

The Hawk boys have seven seniors on the roster, but only three with a substantial amount of varsity playing time. Leading the class are Taylor Richey and Colten Conner, the only four-year members of the Hawk program. Richey and Conner were both starters last season.

Also returning is guard Eleazor Terino, who came off the bench last season.

Houston head coach Thad Schumacher said the remainder of his senior class includes players who either played junior varsity last season or are new to the team.

Schumacher said with the new mix of talent on the roster, establishing continuity is the team's biggest priority.

On the positive side, Schmacher said that the depth of his squad is a big improvement over last season.

"Last year we only played six kids, we only had seven on varsity," Schmacher said. "This year we are pretty deep. We have 10 kids that are equal and can play. There is no one that is head and shoulders above the rest."

To be successful this season, the Hawks will be looking for underclassman to contribute. Schumacher said he will not only need the underclass to register significant minutes, but score as well.

One underclass, freshman Donovan Parker, has already emerged.

"He doesn't have the maturity or skills as an 18-year-old, but he has grit, determination and knowledge of the game," Schumacher said of the 15-year-old Parker. "He's very good and if he keeps growing, he could be something special."

Schumacher added he normally does not play freshmen at the varsity level, but Parker has displayed a positive attitude and toughness early in the season.

"He is smart, doesn't take breaks and doesn't make the same mistake twice," Schumacher said.

In addition to Parker, Schumacher mentioned Gabe Webb and Jake Collins as young players that could develop into key pieces of the Hawk puzzle.

The Houston Hawk girls' are simply a young team. Whitney Conn and Brandi Harvey are the only seniors with significant varsity playing time.

The player who may have the most experience on varsity, has only one year under her belt -- sophomore Nori Dixon.

Houston was dealt a serious blow already this season, with the loss of point guard Kassi Tresham. The Hawks need someone to fill the void left by Tresham and move the ball up the court. Freshman Caylee Redford could inherit the point guard duties.

The Hawks do have the potential to field size on the court. Dixon stands at 5-foot-10 and Harvey plays bigger than her 5-8 frame. The Hawks also have Rachael Stuart at 5-10 and Courtney Elder at 5-11.