Inside the Program: Hampton boys' basketball
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Hampton's Ryan Luther leads the Talbots with 16.5 points per game.
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Hampton has been one of the most successful WPIAL teams in the past five years. The Talbots have reached the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs every year since 2004, with a WPIAL title in 2009 and PIAA semifinals appearances in 2009 and 2010. With another quick start this season, Hampton (9-3, 5-0) looks poised to make another postseason run. The Talbots boast the best scoring offense (65.7 points per game) in Class AAA Section 1 while the defense allows just 49.8 points per game.
For all their success so far, the Talbots are certainly one of the least experienced teams in the WPIAL this season. The team has only two seniors: guard David Klodowski and 6-foot-5 forward Mark Pilarski. Both play significant roles for Hampton, but coach Joe Lafko often trots out a lineup comprising nothing but sophomores and freshmen. "There's no substitute for being in a close basketball game and executing down the stretch," Lafko said. "We've had some situations this year where we've definitely shown our inexperience and our youth." Lafko also cited strength as an area that can be improved with age and maturity.
Two of Hampton's star underclassmen -- sophomores Ryan and Colin Luther -- know each other quite well. They are twins, and Lafko said it shows on the court. "I don't know if it's something that's a twin thing or just that they've played a lot of basketball games with each other," Lafko said. "But they know each other's tendencies." Ryan leads the team with 16.5 points per game, and Colin (pictured above) has scored in double-figures six times this season.
Hampton competes in Class AAA, but the Talbots will jump up to Class AAAA for the next two seasons. According to PIAA enrollment numbers released last month, Hampton has 452 male students in grades 9-11, which will put them in Class AAAA. The PIAA set the minimum for Class AAAA at 431 male students. Lafko, though, said that he wasn't concerned with the increased competition next season. "Right now our focus is on what we're doing in our section, what we'll be able to do in the playoffs," Lafko said.
Lafko said he likes to hold his strategy sessions before the team boards the bus for away games. While most coaches give their pre-game talks in the locker room, Lafko learned this tactic from longtime former Westminster College coach Ron Galbreath. "I think it gives the team a chance to digest more information as opposed to right before tip-off," Lafko said. "Then, they're certainly geared up for the contest."
Lafko knows what it takes to compete in the WPIAL at a high level. During his time at Frazier, Lafko played football, basketball and baseball. His 37 career interceptions in football in three seasons is still a WPIAL record. "You take all those experiences from high school and college, and you definitely use them as a coach," Lafko said.
First Published January 13, 2012 12:00 am
