Houston boys, girls grab wins over Nikiski

HOUSTON — The Houston Hawks held on for a wild win, scoring a 61-58 Southcentral Conference victory over visiting Nikiski at Houston High School.

Ben Bitler used a field goal from the right base line with 22 seconds left in regulation break a 58-58 tie, and supply the go-ahead basket. Ben Pelesasa added a free three with 14 seconds left to help the Hawks’ cause. In another key moment, Kade Taylor took a charge with 17 seconds left to force a Bulldogs turnover.

Taylor led the Hawks with 18 points in the victory. Pelesasa notched a double-double, collecting 15 points and 13 rebounds. Bitler just missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Kolby Taylor dished 10 assists.

Nathan Carstens led Nikiski with 14 points.

Nikiski held the early advantage in the game, leading 21-13 after the first period and 32-25 at halftime. Houston rallied with 36 second-half points.

Houston, which only had five total home games during the 2015-16 regular season, hosted three of those games over the weekend. The Hawks boys’ finished 2-1 during the homestand.

Friday, the return of Kade Taylor helped spark the Hawks.

Taylor, playing in just his second game after missing about six weeks due to injury, scored a game-high 23 points to lead Houston to a 64-43 win over Homer at Houston High School.

Bitler notched a double-double, with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Kendell Ruta added 14 points and Kolby Talyor dished 13 assists.

Houston outscored Homer 31-18 in the second half.

The Hawks suffered a 63-48 loss to Seward on Thursday.

The Houston girls also finished 2-1 during the homestand, sandwiching a loss to top-ranked Homer with wins over Nikiski and Seward.

Saturday, Houston capped its regular season with a 53-45 victory over Nikiski.

Aspen Ruth led Houston with 12 points and nine rebounds in the win. Kimberly Quincy added nine points and Kaila Wilkerson chipped in eight.

Arianne Parrish led Nikiski with 14 points. Jace Kornstad added eight.

Thursday, Quincy scored 16 during a 44-22 win over Seward.

Friday, Despite Houston’s 22-point fourth-quarter, top-ranked Homer prevailed with a 50-43 win over the Hawks.

Madison Akers finished with 16 points, five rebounds and five steals for the Hawks. Kaylie Stafford added 10 for Homer, which enjoyed a 17-7 second-quarter run.

Wilkerson led Houston with 16 points. Ruth added 12 points and nine rebounds.