'More to basketball than wins'
Austin coach sees steady improvement

Excellent defense by players such as Derek Burdick has been one of the factors in Coudersport's early Northern Tier League success. Austin's Jimmy Earle drives against the pesky junior above. The Falcons meet Cameron County Friday night in a clash of the unbeatens, then host Troy in a non-league game on Saturday night. JV action starts at 6:00. Varsity follows at about 7:30.

"The wins are going to come," says Scott Easton.

As the fourth-year head coach of the Austin High School boys' basketball team, Easton exudes patience in the midst of another losing season at Pennsylvania's least populous school district.

"We're getting better, and the one thing I'm the most proud of is that these boys play hard," Easton told Endeavor News. "There's a lot more to basketball than counting wins and losses."

Still, statistics are a major part of sports, and the Panthers' record of 0-12 entering the week comes on the heels of 3- 21 last season and 0-24 the year before that.

Easton has tasted success at Austin. Despite the relatively small student body, Austin was 19-6 in his first season (2003- 04), coming off an 11-14 mark the year before.

Frustration has been tempered by determination for Austin basketball players such as Adam Walker (left). Coach Scott Easton appreciates his team's dedication and the support of the school and community as the Panthers' losing streak continues. Austin hosts Northern Potter Friday and plays at Cameron County on Tuesday.

"Some things you simply can't control," the coach pointed out. "Height, the school population and athleticism are things you can't teach."

"We work on the fundamentals and, just recently, we made some changes in our offensive style that seem to be working better," Easton added. "The wins will come. We're definitely improving."

Easton has also been pleased with his players' willingness to participate in voluntary

summer basketball leagues and, most recently, the team camps at Houghton (N.Y.) College.

"That says a lot about these kids' desire to learn the game and improve," he noted.

The coach is also grateful for the support of fans from the school and community through thick and thin.