Kenton Alston is leading men’s basketball
‘I just want to give … back,’ he says
By Arsenio C. Humphrey
Knightly News Reporter
Kenton “Coach K” Alston, Central Penn’s athletics and activities coordinator and a former local hoops standout in high school and college, is the new head coach of the men’s basketball team.
The Central Pennsylvania native brings a community-first vision, a commitment to academic excellence and a gritty approach that aims to return the Knights to championship contention in the Eastern States Athletic Conference (ESAC).
After a 6-17 finish last season and with added pressure from the men’s soccer and baseball teams winning ESAC championships, the Knights are looking to complete the champion hat trick.
It’s clear that change is here. Alston hopes to build on Knights basketball culture, accountability and local pride, brick by brick, even if the bricks are being fashioned on outdoor courts.
“My journey’s been long,” Alston, who was inducted into Penn State Harrisburg’s athletics hall of fame earlier this year, said in a recent interview. “Basketball wasn’t just a game—it was a lifeline. (Growing up in a) single-parent home, basketball was my tool to get to college. Now I just want to give that back.”
His top priorities include recruiting talent from surrounding school districts and boosting academic performance with the goal of producing academic All-Americans, which is the highest honor in Central Penn athletics. Alston is shooting to develop leaders on and off the court.
The Knights made their summer debut under Alston in the Spooky Nook Summer League, where they were scheduled to compete against teams from Penn State Harrisburg, Lebanon Valley College and Alvernia University. The league’s games began on June 9.
Despite lacking a gym—the Knights play home games in East Pennsboro Area High School’s gymnasium— Alston isn’t making excuses.
“Not having a gym just adds fuel to our fire,” he said. “That’s our identity.”
Alston has also assembled a strong coaching staff that reflects his vision.
Joining him as assistant coaches will be:
- Stephanie Idzakovic, bringing professional and collegiate experience with strong local connections.
- Richard Wise, a former player and high-energy motivator with a passion for player development.
- Mark Seidenburg, a veteran basketball mind who has coached teams to NCAA tournament appearances.
Alston also plans to build his version of a bridge to success with the local community and businesses, seeing basketball as a platform to elevate the college and its surrounding neighborhoods.
The program’s sights are set high.
Alston’s goals for his first year at the helm include chalking up an undefeated conference season and bringing home the school’s first ESAC basketball championship.
As summer workouts begin, the buzz around Central Penn’s program is growing.
With a new coach in command, local fans and alumni have reason to believe the Knights are ready to reclaim the court and, with it, some crowning achievements.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and this blog’s editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
