Hempfield boys plan to pick up pace, close out more wins

By: Andrew John
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Even though the record might not show it, Hempfield’s boys basketball program found itself leading a majority of its losses at halftime last season. The Spartans just couldn’t put together a full game to pull out wins.

This season, coach Bill Swan hopes a change in pace as well as lessons learned from last year will guide the Spartans to more victories with the majority of the starting lineup returning.

“We think we led 15-16 times at halftime in those 18 losses,” Swan said. “We learned you’ve got to come out of the locker room ready and be ready for the third quarter mentally and physically. We learned that we needed to be ready for up tempo. The game is very fast. We are going to try to pick up the pace a little bit.

“We’ve studied some teams that go up tempo to make the game go a little faster. If that means we give up a couple baskets here and there, we are hoping to trade for our own baskets on the other end. We are just looking to get out of the rut of playing so slow.”

Senior guard Drew Gordon returns. He averaged 13.2 points and 3.5 rebounds and shot 37% from 3-point range last season.

Junior guard Danny Husenits and senior center Maximus Williams also return. Husenits averaged 10.6 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 39% from 3 last season. Williams averaged 10.1 points, 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

“There is no guarantee that (because) you have people back that means success,” Swan said. “We are really happy with who we have back. It’s probably the best summer and fall we’ve had in a long time. We feel like we’ve gotten better.

“In 6A, it doesn’t matter that you’ve just gotten better. You got to be pretty darn good to compete on Tuesday and Friday.”

Senior guard Dylan Firmstone, a Penn State baseball commit, will return this year as well as junior forward Dom Detruf.

Senior guard Joey DeSantis, junior guard Trevor Donsen, junior guard Jack Kopas and sophomore guard Lucas Simmons will get minutes.

Last season, the Spartans averaged 50.2 points and allowed 55.9.

The Spartans, who have 26 players on their roster, look to replace the production lost by the graduation of guard Caden Biondi and forward Aaron Woodley.

“I think we were really humbled last year. I know the kids and I have worked really hard to change it, and we are hoping it shows,” Swan said. “I think we are competing harder, and I think our skill level has improved. I think we will be more prepared for the atmospheres.”

The Spartans are in Section 2-6A with Upper St. Clair, the defending WPIAL Class 6A champion, and Mt. Lebanon, which finished third in the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs. Central Catholic, the fourth-place finisher, also is part of the section.

Imani Christian, the WPIAL and PIAA Class A champion, has moved all the way up to Class 6A and will face the Spartans twice. The section includes Norwin, Canon-McMillan and Connellsville. This year’s schedule consists of 14 section games.

Hempfield will start its season a little bit earlier with a nonsection matchup against old foe Latrobe at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. This will be the first game between the programs since they faced off Feb. 7, 2020. The Spartans won at home 66-52.

The Spartans then host their 20th annual tip-off tournament as they face Penn-Trafford at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Hempfield boys at a glance

Last year’s record: 4-18 (0-10 Section 2-6A)

Returning starters: Drew Gordon (Sr., G), Maximus Williams (Sr., C), Danny Husenits (Jr., G)

Top newcomers: Joey DeSantis (Sr., G), Trevor Donsen (Jr., G), Jack Kopas (Jr., G), Lucas Simmons (So., G)

Tags: Hempfield