Houston boys, girls move into conference semis

SEWARD — A pair of Houston basketball squads are a step closer to ending the school’s long state tournament drought.

The Houston boys and girls each posted wins during the quarterfinal round of the Southcentral Conference Championships in Seward. A victory in the semifinals tonight would punch the Hawks’ state tourney tickets.

The Houston girls, looking for their first trip to state in 20 years, posted a 55-34 win over Homer.

Lashawna Lee scored 11 of her 16 points during Houston’s 18-point first quarter against the Mariners. Ne Ne Hale added seven in the first, and finished with a game-high 27. Hale hit five three-pointers in the victory. Next up for Houston is a game with host Seward in the semifinals. The Seahawks beat Grace Christian 51-30 on Thursday.

In boys’ action, Houston survived a 20-point Skyview fourth-quarter to beat the Panthers 49-45.

Matt Barron hit all three of his three-pointers during Houston’s 19-point third quarter, and led the Hawks with 15 in the win. Mitchell Ruta added 11 and Sam Brandt chipped in nine.

Houston will face Anchorage Christian School tonight in the semis. ACS, the 2012 3A runner-up, beat up Homer 69-32.

Houston girls 55, Homer 34

Southcentral Conference semifinals

Thursday, Seward

Homer 10-9-11-4—34

Houston 18-11-11-15—55

Homer (34) — Oliver 2 0-0 4, Beach 1 0-0 3, Aker 2 0-5 4, Gee 0 2-2 2, Isehour 1 0-0 2, Brown 1 0-0 2, Cabana 8 1-4 17; Totals: 15 3-11 34.

Houston (55) — Lee 7 0-2 16, Wells 1 0-0 3, Nida 1 0-0 2, Apangalook 0 2-2 2, Baybado 1 0-0 2, Barber 1 1-2 3, Hale 11 0-3 27; Totals: 22 3-9 55.

Houston boys 49, Skyview 45

Southcentral Conference semifinals

Houston 7-8-19-15—49

Skyview 6-9-9-20—44

Houston (49) — Baird 1 0-0 3, L. Taylor 1 0-1 2, Brandt 4 1-1 9, Barron 6 0-3 15, Saechao 1 0-0 2, Ruta 3 2-2 11, J. Taylor 2 3-6 7; Totals: 18 6-13 49.

Skyvivew (45) — Collier 1 0-2 3, Rice 1 0-0 3, Hill 1 0-0 2, Duke 3 2-4 9, Carlson 8 2-5 18, Henderson 5 0-4 10; Totals: 19 4-15 44.