New era begins for Redington girls hoops

WASILLA — As the Redington girls basketball team walked off the floor Friday night, there was reason for excitement.

It had nothing to do with the final score. Rival Houston beat the Huskies 60-24. But Huskies head coach Larry Scott couldn’t help but think about how far his team has come in just a year, and how bright the future of basketball could be at the Valley’s newest junior/senior high school.

Friday marked the debut of varsity basketball at Redington Jr./Sr. High School.

“Big time. We’re really excited,” Scott said of the Huskies enthusiasm to make the jump to the varsity ranks.

Scott said the growth of the girls’ basketball team has been modest. The Huskies have 11 on the roster after starting last season with a junior varsity squad with seven players. But the effort and enthusiasm is there.

“They’re excited. They truly want to get better,” Scott said.

As most coaches at the Knik-area school, Scott said is looking at the big picture as the Huskies work to build a program. Rather than fixating on the scoreboard, Scott said the focus is on improvement.

“The first game last year we played Su Valley and I’m pretty sure we had between 50 and 60 turnovers. Tonight we had 33. I told them, already, we’re better than last year,” Scott said.

Scott said the coaches and players are excited to be part of the start of basketball at Redington.

“I’ve coached basketball for quite a while,” Scott said. “This is the first time I get to come in and work with a new school and a new group of kids trying to build a program.”

Scott said he’s already seen a committed attitude. The team participated in summer basketball camp, and has plans for more in the future.

Hawks sweep Huskies

A new rivalry was born Friday night. Redington hit the floor for boys and girls varsity basketball games for the first time in school history.

In boys’ action, Houston posted a 61-8 win over the Huskies. Gavin Mulhaney led Houston with 14 points. Kade Taylor knocked down a pair of three-pointers and added a dozen.

Brian Amirault and Brody Brooks scored four each for the Huskies.

The Houston girls earned a 60-24 win over Redington. Aspen Ruth shot 7 of 10 from the floor and scored a game-high 14 points. Courtney Crockett led Redington with eight points.

Houston boys 61, Redington 8

Friday, Redington

Houston (61) — Wyrick 2 0-1 4, Mulhaney 1 1-2 3, Werts 3 0-0 7, Ka. Taylor 4 2-2 12, Ko. Taylor 2 1-3 5, Ruta 3 0-2 7, Ross 2 1-3 5, Mulhaney 7 0—0 14, Pelesasa 1 2-4 4; Totals: 25 7-17 61.

Redington (8) — Amirault 2 0-1 4, Brooks 1 2-5 4; Totals: 3 2-11 8.

3-point field goals: Houston 4 (Ka. Taylor 2); Redington 0.

Houston girls 60, Redington 24

Friday, Redington

Houston (60) — Holms 2 0-0 4, Davis 4 1-3 9, Malidore 1 1-3 3, Ruth 7 0-10 14, M. Moore 2 2-2 6, Mattson 4 0-2 9, T. Moore 3 0-0 7, Wilzenburg 3 0-0 6, Whitted 0 1-2 1; Totals: 26 5-13 60.

Redington (24) — Koozta 1 0-0 2, Crockett 4 0-0 8, Aparazuk 1 3-6 6, Harris 1 0-2 2, Fuller 2 2-3 6; Totals: 9 5-11 24.

3-point field goals: Houston 3 (3 with 1); Redington 1 (Aparazuk).