Hempfield Boys Basketball: Austin Butler’s Vision for a Winning Culture
New Leadership and Fresh Perspectives
By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 11:01 AM
As the Hempfield boys basketball team gears up for the upcoming season, new head coach Austin Butler is determined to instill a culture of accountability and improvement. Butler, a former standout player at Latrobe and Division I athlete, is bringing his keen eye for detail from the court to the coaching realm.
A Focus on Development
Butler emphasizes the importance of practice, ensuring that every session is filmed to capture teachable moments. “There might be a bad clip that we watch, but the breakdown and advice will be positive,” he stated. His goal is to foster a winning mentality, urging his players to show up and work hard every day, not just on game nights. “We have a saying, ‘Believe or leave,’” Butler added, highlighting his commitment to building a cohesive team.
Key Players and Challenges Ahead
With only one returning starter, senior guard Danny Husenits, the Spartans face a significant challenge this season. Husenits, who averaged 14 points last year, is stepping up to become a vocal leader. “The goal for the team is definitely to get better throughout the season and finish on top of the section,” he remarked.
The senior roster also includes players like Dom Detruf, Jack Kopas, and Trevor Donsen, who all contributed last season when the team finished with a 9-12 record. Butler is optimistic about the talent within the team, stating, “We have a lot of talent here. The steps we have been able to take are day and night.”
Fast-Paced Play and Coaching Staff
Butler aims to implement a fast-paced style reminiscent of his playing days. “I want to teach them to play basketball without having to look at me. The faster you play, the freer they are,” he explained. His coaching staff includes his brother Bryce, former players Kason Harrell and Dante Rizzo, all of whom bring valuable experience to the program.
Looking Ahead: The Season Schedule
Hempfield opens its season on December 2 against Latrobe, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. With a focus on accountability and a commitment to improvement, Butler is poised to lead the Spartans toward a successful season.
Hempfield Boys Basketball at a Glance
- Coach: Austin Butler
- Last Year’s Record: 9-12 (4-10 Section 2-6A)
- Returning Starter: Danny Husenits (Sr., G)
- Others to Watch: Dom Detruf (Sr., G), Trevor Donsen (Sr., G), Jack Kopas (Sr., G)
- Top Newcomer: Lucas Simmons (Jr., G)
Upcoming Schedule
- Dec 2: vs. Latrobe, 7:30 PM
- Dec 5: vs. Penn-Trafford, 7:45 PM
- Dec 6: vs. Indiana, 3 PM
- Dec 9: at Fox Chapel, 7 PM
- Dec 12: vs. Mt. Lebanon, 7:30 PM
- Dec 16: at Connellsville, 7:30 PM
- Dec 19: at Central Catholic, 7:30 PM
- Dec 20: vs. Southmoreland, 3 PM
- Dec 23: vs. Imani Christian, 7:30 PM
- Dec 29: vs. Greensburg Central Catholic, 3:30 PM
- Dec 30: vs. Greensburg Salem, 5 PM
Final Thoughts
Austin Butler’s approach to coaching reflects a deep commitment to developing not just skilled players, but also strong leaders. As the Hempfield Spartans embark on this new chapter, the emphasis on accountability and a winning culture could very well redefine their season. With a blend of returning talent and fresh strategies, fans can look forward to an exciting year of basketball.