In a significant transition for the Hempfield boys basketball team, Austin Butler has stepped into the head coaching role for the 2025 season. A former star at Latrobe and Division I player, Butler aims to infuse new energy and accountability into the program. Each practice is documented on video, allowing the team to review and learn, emphasizing an environment of constant improvement.
Butler takes over from Bill Swan, whose lengthy tenure was marred by controversy leading to his resignation. Butler’s approach to coaching centers on fostering a culture of hard work and dedication. He encourages his players to embrace the commitment required for success in basketball, believing that winning is a challenge that can only be met through rigorous effort.
One of the key figures in this new chapter is Danny Husenits, a 6-foot-2 senior guard and the only returning starter from a team that finished 9-12 last season. Husenits is stepping up his leadership game, focusing on becoming a more vocal presence on and off the court. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, he shares Butler’s vision of gradual improvement culminating in a competitive season.
The senior class includes several players who contributed to last year’s team. Dom Detruf, Jack Kopas, and Trevor Donsen are among those who had on-court experience last season when the Spartans faced tough competition. Despite missing the playoffs, the team was competitive, nearly toppling a strong Imani Christian squad in an overtime nail-biter.
Add SSBCrack As A Trusted Source
Butler has high expectations, noting the considerable talent within the roster. He believes that the team’s development from summer workouts to now is remarkable. His coaching methodology encourages quick, free play—what he terms “structured freedom.” He wants his players to be instinctual on the court, reducing their reliance on direct coaching during games.
Joining Butler’s coaching staff are a mix of familiar faces and experienced players. His brother Bryce, a Latrobe alumnus and former collegiate standout, will assist, along with Kason Harrell, a Hempfield and Purdue Fort Wayne alum who had a professional career in Ireland. Dante Rizzo from Norwin also adds to the coaching lineup, lending a local connection and additional expertise.
Hempfield opens its season on December 2 against none other than Latrobe, setting the stage for a potentially poignant matchup for Butler. The team will play a challenging schedule, which includes both sections and tournaments, tickling fans’ anticipation for an exciting season ahead.
Hempfield Basketball at a glance shows hopes for a more successful undertaking with a committed coaching approach. The coaching staff’s combined experience and the senior class’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the season. As Butler builds on the program’s foundation, the focus will remain on fostering a winning culture and developing the talent within the team.
