The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Bison’s Houston reaches 1,000 points
After a 10-day pause due to COVID-19, Beachwood returned to the court on Jan. 26. Bison senior Daryl Houston joined elite company when he recorded his 1,000th career point in the first quarter of an 84-72 win against Villa AngelaSt. Joseph.
It’s been a long time coming for the four-year varsity player, and he is happy to have finally reached it.
“I was hoping to hit more than 1,000 as I’ve been playing varsity all four years,” said Houston. “But better late than never.”
The game was only Beachwood’s third of the season, and the Bison have been victorious in all three. As the season has unfolded, it’s been important for players to work on their abilities on their own outside of practice. Coach David Krasnow says Houston has been working hard on his own, and everyone is seeing the results of his hard work.
“During COVID, Daryl has worked on his body and his game non-stop,” said Krasnow. “He is an inch taller and 10 pounds heavy and stronger. He is dribbling even better, which is impressive because I didn’t see him being able to get better in that area. His outside shot, which last year was average, is significantly better. I do not know if there is anyone who by themselves can guard Daryl.”
While Houston was the one that achieved the milestone, he immediately thanked his teammates and cites their chemistry together to his success.
“My teammates support me and trust me,” said Houston. “It’s why our chemistry is increasing and getting better.”
While Houston was the one to reach the milestone, and Krasnow is excited for what he achieved, he doesn’t think that this will be the last time one of his athletes hits this mark. He wants his athletes to look
at Houston as an example for what he wants his other players to look up to and work just as hard as him.
“It is very exciting for Daryl and for our program. For Daryl, this milestone shows both the hard work he has put in, as well as the sustained consistency and excellence to achieve this great milestone. I look at our program and I believe we have 3 or 4 other players within the program who have a chance to also achieve this milestone. I want them to look at Daryl and realize this has come from a lot of hard work and many hours in the gym. That is what I want Beachwood basketball to be all about.”
The milestone is one thing for Houston, but he cares more about the team aspect and knows that there is more work to be done for him and the team. They want to achieve more and try to reach their ultimate goal of a state title.
“It’s a huge accomplishment,” said Houston. “It was a lot of hard work, but the job isn’t done yet. The next goal for myself and the team is to win a state championship.”
Houston will look to add to his career total when Beachwood takes on Gilmour on Jan 28.