New coach, new era for Houston girls basketball

HOUSTON — The Houston High School girls’ basketball program has entered a new era.

Actually, when looking at the Hawks, labeling the 2007-08 season a new era could not be more appropriate.

It seems most everything about the Houston girls program is new.

First, there is a new head coach. Mary Sanford has taken the helm, replacing former Houston mentor Jason Spakousky.

There are a few new faces on the Houston roster including a pair of transfers from the Wasilla Warriors, the defending 4A state champions.

And finally, the Hawks have taken the leap from the 3A to 4A level and now compete in the Mid-Alaska Conference.

Considering how much is involved with Houston’s venture into its ‘new era,’ the Hawks’ 66-49 win over the West Anchorage Eagles on the final day of the Palmer Elks Showdown was especially satisfying for Sanford and her players.

“They’re finally learning how we want them to do stuff,” Sanford said after he team’s win over West, Houston’s first victory as a 4A program. “New coach, new players- things are coming together here.”

Defensive pressure sparked the Hawks and was undoubtedly the key to Houston’s 17-point win over the Cook Inlet Conference program. Houston stormed to an 11-0 lead in the opening two minutes of the game. A three-pointer from the corner started the run, and was followed by four Houston steals that set up four easy Houston buckets.

Sanford said that was not the game plan for just the Eagles, that’s how she wants her squad to approach each outing.

“That’s how we want to come out defensively every game,” Sanford said. “That’s our No. 1 thing, defense. And then rebounding. The offense will come around later.”

The Hawks hope to bring a high energy to the floor, push the ball up the court and create problems for opponents with defensive pressure. This is partly because Houston’s style is somewhat dictated by its personnel.

“We’re basically all guards,” Sanford said with a smile.

Junior Ariel Katzenberger is arguably Houston’s top presence in the post, and will be aided underneath by junior Alyssa Acton. The rest of the post play will have to be handled by Houston’s bigger guards.

Among the players that fall into that category is senior Laura Hermon, a player the Hawks believe can be a threat both inside and out.

There is also junior April Morlock, and emerging defensive threat.

Morlock and junior Ema Olsen both transferred to Houston this year after spending their first two seasons as a part of the Wasilla Warriors, annually one of the top girls’ basketball programs in the state. Sanford said having a pair of players with such experience is huge for her team.

“They bring mental toughness and a winning attitude,” Sanford said. “They bring intensity and complete background knowledge of basketball. It’s not necessarily lacking from other players, but it boosts it up that much more.”

As disciples of the Wasilla coaching staff and their defense-first mentality for two years, Morlock and Olsen could be among Houston’s top talents on the defensive side of the floor.

Olsen also showed in the win over West that she has the ability to be an offensive threat for HHS. Olsen hit three shots from beyond the three-point arc, and scored 15 points.

If Olsen proves to be a consistent threat, she could become a nice complement to Houston’s top scorer, senior guard Jen Mason.

“We’ve finally got some people around her,” Sanford said of Mason. “She doesn’t have to carry us as much, or feel like she has to do as much.”

Mason, a crafty and seasoned varsity veteran, can score both inside and out. She’s a threat from the perimeter, is consistent with her pull-up jumper and can drive to the basket.

Mason will also be responsible for setting up other scorers such as Olsen or Herman.

Also in the backcourt is senior Emily Hundley. Although Hundley may be better known to Houston sports fans as a standout blueliner on the Hawks’ boys’ ice hockey squad, Hundley is now one of the top defensive players on the girls’ basketball roster. As a junior, Hundley used her hockey toughness on the hardwood to consistently pester and annoy opposing guards.

Among the other guards who expect to see significant minutes are seniors Kelsey Thamm, Jen Gardner and Bailey Fray. Sanford said Fray’s outside shooting ability should benefit the Hawks.

The ‘new era’ of Houston basketball also includes the opportunity to travel Outside for a tournament over the holiday break. Houston is slated to compete in the Surf N Slam Holiday Hoop Classic in San Diego, Calif., from Dec. 26-31. Sanford believes it’s the first time in the history of the Houston girls’ basketball program that the Hawks get to travel to participate in such a tourney.

The Hawks open the tournament on Dec. 27 with a first-round match against Ballard High School of Seattle, Wash.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com,