When Porter Hill is at his best for Union’s boys basketball team, he’s usually getting helped up to his feet by teammates.
That’s because the 6-foot-4 guard’s niche for the Class 4A state quarterfinal-bound Titans is a stat that doesn’t show up in the scorebook, but is called a “championship play” by head coach Blake Conley: taking charges.
Hill, in his first season on varsity, recently set the program’s single-season record for charges with 17. The previous record was 15 by Josh Reznick.
What’s the secret to success? Hill’s answer is elementary.
“Don’t worry about what’s going to happen next,” the 6-foot-4 senior said. “Be in the moment and just take it.”
Union (20-5) faces the winner of Wednesday’s Central Valley/Kamiakin game in the Class 4A boys state quarterfinals at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the Tacoma Dome.
Hill is one of three starters, including Jamison Limbrick and Evan Eschels, for Union who are first-year varsity players. Each has found their roles this season, Conley said. What’s elevated Hill, the coach said, is his ability to do whatever is asked and needed.
Even if that’s sacrificing the body for it.
“He’s that guy for us,” Conley said. “He’s so coachable and he’s the kid that wanted to be good and always wanted to be good. It’s been really cool to see him transform. It’s been cool to see this success he’s had and contribute to the kind of team we have this year.”
Hill, a second-team all-4A Greater St. Helens League honoree, averages 9.5 points and five rebounds per game, but his contributions go further.
When player highlight reels tend to favor high-flying dunks, buzzer-beating shots or a player breaking down defenders, Hill would rather draw a player-control foul. It’s a momentum changer and more often than not, comes at a pivotal moment in a game.
Taking charges is something not all players enjoy, but it’s a skill Hill takes pride in mastering.
And because of it, he’s now well-schooled in the art of drawing fouls.
“I had to find what I was good at,” he said. “I like to do the dirty work; I’m not afraid to get hurt. You hit me in the head, or punch me in the gut, I’ll get right back up.”
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WIAA STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
BOYS
1A state round-of-12: Castle Rock vs. Zillah, 9 a.m. at Yakima SunDome
1A state round-of-12: King’s Way Christian vs. Freeman, 12:15 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
GIRLS
4A state round-of-12: Camas vs. Bellarmine, 2 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
3A state round-of-12: Kelso vs. Hermiston, 3:45 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
2A state round-of-12: Washougal vs. White River, 10:30 a.m. at Yakima SunDome
1A state round-of-12: La Center vs. Colville, 5:30 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
THURSDAY’S GAMES
BOYS
4A state quarterfinal: Central Valley or Kamiakin vs. Union, 7:15 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
2A state quarterfinal: Grandview or Tumwater vs. R.A. Long, 7:15 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
1A state quarterfinal: Castle Rock or Zillah vs. Toppenish, 9 a.m. at Yakima SunDome
1A state quarterfinal: King’s Way Christian or Freeman vs. Life Christian, 12:15 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
2B state quarterfinal: Columbia-Burbank or Adna vs. Kalama, 5:30 p.m. at Spokane Arena
GIRLS
4A state quarterfinal: Camas or Bellarmine vs. Sumner, 2 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
3A state quarterfinal: Kelso or Hermiston vs. Lake Washington, 3:45 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
2A state quarterfinal: Washougal or White River vs. Burlington-Edison, 10:30 a.m. at Yakima SunDome
2A state quarterfinal: Lynden or W.F. West vs. Hudson’s Bay, 12:15 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
1A state quarterfinal: La Center or Colville vs. Lynden Christian, 5:30 p.m. at Yakima SunDome
