Penn Hills boys hoping to see players grow into new roles

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Penn Hills boys basketball coach Chris Giles has plenty of upperclassmen ready to lead the program this season.

The Indians’ ability to win basketball games will be dependent on how quickly they can handle the challenges that come with being varsity athletes.

“This team has to be experienced. They have to be battle-tested and be able to go into hostile environments,” Giles said.

“They need to perform every day and practice well.”

The Indians only return one starter, Amon Hawthorne, from last season’s team.

Penn Hills finished in third place in Section 2-5A, ending up 14-8 after being eliminated in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs by Gateway.

The Indians will open the season at the Jack Twyman Tournament when they play Gateway on Dec. 8 at Central Catholic. Penn Hills again will be in Section 2 this season, along with Armstrong, Hampton, Indiana, Kiski Area, Plum and Shaler.

Giles said the team had a good offseason.

“They’ve been committed,” Giles said.

“The chemistry is there, and they are committed to every single game. They’ve been in the program for a while, and they know what we want on offense and defense.”

Penn Hills will look to lean on players like Cody Hunt, Calix Clark, Ahmod Brown and Jacob Hollis to fill in key roles.

The Indians gained some experience by playing in fall and summer leagues.

Giles said it is difficult to compete if players aren’t able to spend extra time in the gym.

“The days of showing up when the season starts is over,” Giles said.

“You have to put in the work during the offseason. Basketball is moving, globally, toward being a 12-month sport, just like football, volleyball and every other sport. You have to work on your skills.”

Giles said he feels Penn Hills is similar to the team it had last season.

The Indians have an older team that will need to settle into new roles to find success.

“We are pretty much coming here with a new team,” Giles said.

“We are junior and senior dominant. We have guys who have been in the program and know the culture.”

Tags: Penn Hills