Boys Mariners Basketball gets hoopin’

The Homer High School team will play their first home game on Friday, Dec. 16.

By Charlie Menke • December 8, 2022 1:30 am
Homer’s Peyton Edens makes a move toward the basket during the Class 3A boys basketball fourth-place semifinals at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Homer’s Peyton Edens makes a move toward the basket during the Class 3A boys basketball fourth-place semifinals at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

It’s time for Mariner Boys Basketball, and the team is ready to rumble. We caught up with Head Coach Weston Carroll to get an idea of what to expect from our ballin’ Ms this winter.

The Mariners have been working hard during this off-season, according to Carroll.

“There was a group of committed players that put in a lot of time in the off season, playing three or four days a week during the summer and all fall,” he said.

However, the team composition will be radically different this year compared to the most recent squads of the past.

“With some seniors graduating and players out with injuries, this year’s team will have a whole new starting five, so adjusting to play at the varsity level may be challenging early in the season,” he said.

This new group does have some new strengths, and that will contibute to a dynamic new playstyle the Mariners hope to implement.

“This year’s team is quicker and more atheltic than the past few years,” Carroll said, “so we will look to play a fast paced game.”

Carroll has navigated many storms as the Head Coach of the Boys Mariners, with this his eighth year at the helm. He is joined by Zach Kudla and Jonathan Raymond, both assistant coaches.

Their message to the players this season is based on work ethic and conviction.

“The coach’s emphasis this year will be on teamwork and effort, getting everyone to fill their role and believe that as a collective group, if each player does their best we can be successful,” said Carroll.

Success has been achieved in recent years, but the Mariners are looking for even more this term.

“Last year getting second place in regions and going to state for the first time in 20 years was a great accomplishment and we are hoping to get back to the state tournament this year again as well,” said the coach.

Overall, the Mariner hoopers have a good feeling in their camp as the season gets underway.

“I’m excited for the season; it is off to a good start,” Carroll said. “The players have been working hard and I look forward to seeing how much they improve throughout the season.”

The first Mariner Boys Basketball Varsity game at home will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 against Redington Jr/Sr High School.

The rest of the home games will be played against the following opponents:Nome-beltz High School at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Kenai Central High School at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Seward High School at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Sitka High School at TBA on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Grace Christian High School at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 31.

Nikiski High School at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3.

Soldotna High School at 4:30 on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Homer Winter Carnival from Thursday, Feb. 9 – Saturday, Feb. 11.

Ninilchik High School at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Houston High School at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3.