Houston boys, girls earn first wins of year

SITKA — After the Valley Jamboree preseason scrimmages last week, Houston head coach Dave Porter left wondering what type of team would be hitting the court for the Hawks this year.

But now, with three games under his players’ belts, Porter has been able to answer some of the questions that lingered in his mind.

Houston scored a 69-42 win over the Nikiski Bulldogs during the final day of the Holland America Tournament in Sitka, and finished 1-2 in the three-day event.

“I think it’s definitely helpful to get a few games to start seeing where we are,” Porter said by cellphone from Sitka Saturday evening. “Our weaknesses, our strengths — we’re slowly, but surely, figuring it out.”

Sophomore Matt Barron scored 23 points to lead the Hawks to the win over Nikiski. Barron hit four of Houston’s seven three-pointers in the win.

“He really had a good game. He lit it up,” Porter said.

The Hawks jumped to a 19-2 lead early.

“We came out and hit shots, played unbelievable to start,” Porter said.

Nikiski was able to crawl back into the game and took a one-point lead late in the first half.

“In the second half we challenged our kids, you need to come out and redeem yourself,” Porter said. “They came out and just tore it up.”

Houston held Nikiski to only 15 points in the second half.

Houston suffered a 53-49 loss to host Sitka on Thursday. The Hawks trailed by just a point with 15 seconds remaining in regulation, but the Wolves were able to seal the win.

Senior Scott Kramer led the Hawks with 19 points.

“We played pretty good, but what hurt us is we missed some layups,” Porter said.

Grace Christian beat Houston 51-42 on Friday.

Houston is now off until Jan. 5, when the Hawks hit the court for the three-day Grace Christian Classic in Anchorage.

The Houston girls scored their first win of the season on Friday, a 44-29 victory over Grace Christian. Host Sitka beat Houston 62-39 on Thursday. Vickie Baybado led the Hawks with 19 points. Savanna James added 10.

Ketchikan beat Houston on Saturday.

The Houston girls will also compete in the Grace Christian Classic, Jan. 5-7.

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