Young Hawk hoops squads look for experience

March 18, 2005

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman Sports Editor

Midway through the season the Houston girls' basketball squad was at the top of the world and the top of it's game.

In early February the Hawks traveled high into the arctic to compete in the Barrow Invitational. The squad left with the tourney title after earning three victories, including a win over the host Whalers - a team then ranked third in the 3A state hoops poll.

"I don't think (Barrow) had lost up there in a couple of years. It was a pretty big deal," Houston head coach Jason Spakousky said. "Huge as far as confidence."

With those wins, Spakousky saw his young and inexperienced team take its game to another level.

"They (started) playing together, realizing their roles," Spakousky said.

After winning the Barrow Invite, Houston ran its streak to five - also getting wins over conference rivals Heritage Christian and ACS.

"The first time (we played ACS) we got clobbered. We went into ACS and played the worst game of our season," Spakousky said of his team's 23-point loss on Jan. 17. "Next time we beat them by six - big turnaround."

And now Spakousky hopes the Hawks take that momentum created by the mid-season wins right into this weekend's region tournament.

The Hawks, 9-10 overall and 6-6 in conference play, earned the fourth seed in the 2005 3A South Central Championships, held in Seward. Houston faced Anchorage Christian School in the first round yesterday. Results were unavailable prior to press time.

Spakousky said improved confidence and a healthy squad should put the Hawks right where they want to be. Courtney Elder and Cynthia Sieben each battled through nagging injuries, but are back on the court for the region tourney.

The Hawks also look for the continued leadership of Rachel Stewart and Kassi Tresham. Stewart has been the scorer for the Hawks, while Tresham is the floor general at the point.

"Rachel will get her points. A real key for us is we need other people to contribute offensively," Spakousky said. "As of late we've been looking for people only and neglecting the shot opportunity."

The Houston boys hold the sixth seed of the 3A South Central championship bracket.

The season has been tough for the Hawks, head coach Thad Schumacher said, struggling through adversity and fighting for experience. The squad, made up predominately by underclassman, have been forced to learn from tough lessons, but Schumacher and the Hawks have been able to build a base for the future.

Each of the Hawks' captains, Donovan Parker and Quentin Veit, are only sophomores.

"These guys have been pillars all year," Schumacher said. "Worked hard, tried hard - they've got a lot, lot better."

Schumacher has also seen players were from the junior varsity ranks into the freshman lineup. One player, freshman CoCo Fredericks, moved from a position on the C-team squad to a spot in the starting lineup.

"He's blossomed as a basketball players," Schumacher said. "He's gained a lot of experience with his ball handling and shooting and started four or five games. It's going to difficult for the other kids to come back next year and take his spot."

Houston drew ACS in the first round of the tournament yesterday and face either Susitna Valley or Grace Christian today.