HPU signs another Palmer standout

PALMER — A Hawaii school has struck gold in Palmer, Alaska.

For the second time in about a month, Hawaii Pacific University has snagged one of the top scorers Palmer High School basketball has seen in recent years.

Monday, surrounded by friends, family and teammates, Palmer senior first-team all-state guard Connor Looney signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Hawaii Pacific University and play for the Division II Sea Warriors. Last month, Palmer senior Taylor Blake — who capped her career as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of PHS girls basketball — signed her intent to play for the HPU women’s program.

“I felt like it was a good fit,” Looney said of his decision after officially committing to HPU and accepting a substantial academic and athletic scholarship package. “I loved the coaching staff, they were personable and you could tell they build relationships with you. The guys were great. I played with them, hung out with them, went to the beach. It was great.”

Looney — who averaged 23.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.0 assists as a senior — narrowed his list down to three potential schools. Chadron State in Nebraska, Dixie State in Utah and HPU all made the final cuts, and he went on official visits to each school.

“Definitely the best fit was Hawaii,” Looney said.

Looney said the Sea Warriors play a style of basketball he likes, and there’s opportunity to see the court early in his career.

“I like playing fast, and they seem like they play a fast pace,” Looney said. “They said they don’t recruit just to redshirt. Freshman, senior — everyone gets a chance. I’m probably going to get the chance to play. I’m competitive. I want to get out there any play.”

Former Palmer mentor Jason Marvel, who coached Looney during his Moose boys’ basketball career, said Looney has great potential.

“He’s only going to get better,” Marvel said. “He’s a special athlete, a special player.”

Looney established himself as one of the top players in the state of Alaska. He helped lead the Moose to a Northern Lights Conference championship, while scoring more than 20 points per game. As good as Looney was as a prep player, Marvel said Looney has the ability to continue to get better.

“That’s what I told coaches who were recruiting him. I think this guy’s upside is unbelievable,” Marvel said of Looney. “Connor, he’s just at the beginning of his career.”

In his 10 years as a head basketball coach in the Valley, Marvel said he’s coached maybe one other player with an upside comparable to Looney’s.

“I think he’s one of the most prolific scorers I’ve coached,” Marvel said. “His ability to put the ball in the basket is unbelievable.”

Overall, Marvel said he believes Looney has the ability to have a nice Division II career at HPU.

“I think it’s a great level for him. I think HPU is going to be really surprised when he starts working out,” Marvel said.

Contact Jeremiah Bartz at 352-2273 or sports@frontiersman.com.