Williams, Hollis Brookline boys basketball continue to climb with win over Souhegan

HOLLIS – Throughout his sophomore season, Alton Williams and the rest of his teammates on the Hollis Brookline High School boys basketball team took their lumps in a rebuilding year that saw the Cavaliers finish at 4-14.

With that year under his belt, Williams has developed upon his pure athleticism, turning his 6-foot-5 frame into an enormous presence in the paint that has helped HB reverse its fortunes this winter.

Williams' full repertoire was on display on Tuesday night when he scored 17 points as HB cruised towards a 61-33 Division II victory over Souhegan (5-5).

“I’m feeling really good about this team; this is our year,” Williams said. “I’m playing with a lot more confidence right now. I feel like I really worked on my defense and getting rebounds and want to make my presence felt.”

Williams was coming off a season-high 18-point effort during last Friday’s 65-47 win at John Stark. HB has now won six of its past seven games in improving to 7-3.

HB coach Ryan Kelley took over the program last year and believes Williams is just starting to put together his physical skills with a more disciplined approach to his game.

Williams put back a couple of rebounds to begin his nine-point third quarter that helped extend HB’s halftime lead from 29-19 to 48-29.

“It’s been a huge growth from this season from last year from him playing under control. Shot fakes and making sure not to shoot just to shoot,” Kelley said. “He’s trying to really find his opening. He’s playing it off the glass."

Williams may have missed a dunk on Tuesday, but it's been part of his game this year and is something that Kelley doesn’t want to hold back.

“That’s a thing he knows he can make and he goes and tries to be aggressive and we certainly encourage it because it’s fun and it keeps him lively and brings up everyone’s energy,” Kelley said. “It’s just his poise on the offensive end and the defensive end.”

Sophomore forward James Arthur (13 points) has emerged as the team’s leading scorer by averaging 17.3 points a game. He feels like Williams and JP Torgerson’s play up front has opened up a lot for the Cavs.

“He’s really a presence down low and what’s huge for Alton is his athleticism and his size brings so much to the floor,” Arthur said. “He can space us out. He can play as a wing player and his versatility is huge for us.”

HB senior point guard Y’arie Ramas has been impressed with how Williams uses his talent and tenacity in an effort to make his team play to its full potential

“He’s off the charts,” Ramas said. “He doesn’t just rely on his size and athleticism. His motor is super spry. He’s always running around the court and trying to make the right play no matter what. He’s always trying to look for his teammates and never just tries to look for himself.

“He’s always trying to make everybody better and as you could see (Tuesday), we’re better for it.”

Williams believes his team carries a lot of confidence into the second half of the season. The Cavs' three losses have come by a combined 11 points.

“We’re feeling it,” Williams. "We were nervous early on and we didn’t know what to expect but I don’t think we have to worry about anyone else right now. I don’t think we were polished then. We aren’t now, but we’re more polished than before.”