FERRIDAY &8212; After rolling to a 28-3 record but finishing with a disappointing loss in the MPSA Class A quarterfinals last season, the Huntington Hounds (8-1) are looking to make a statement this year.

Leading that charge is senior guard Antonio Jordan, who tops the teams in scoring on the young season.

&8220;In big games, I feel like I have to step it up,&8221; Jordan said. &8220;I think I&8217;ve gotten a lot better this year. I don&8217;t have as much pressure on me, so I&8217;m able to do more things.&8221;

Huntington head coach David Boydstun said Jordan not only came up big in big games, but also in big spots over the course of a game.

&8220;He steps up in tough spots,&8221; Boydstun said. &8220;He doesn&8217;t try to do too much, and saves himself for some of the big spots in games. He&8217;s playing a more complete game this year.&8221;

In two of Huntington&8217;s biggest games thus far this season &8212; home wins over Brookhaven Academy and Central Private &8212; Jordan stepped up with 24 and 16 points, respectively, and made several key plays in rebounding and defense.

With so many skills he can bring to the floor, Jordan feels like the best asset he brings to the team is communication.

&8220;I keep the team together,&8221; he said. &8220;I let them know what we need, I ask them what they need, and I keep them calm.&8221;

The win over Central Private last Saturday also avenged the only loss thus far this season for Huntington, and they now looking towards February, when the playoffs start once again. Jordan and Boydstun both feel this time aroud could be different.

&8220;I feel like the team&8217;s improved,&8221; Jordan said. &8220;Everyone knows their role now and knows what they need to do for us to get a ring.&8221;

&8220;This is the same group from last year, but there&8217;s more maturity with everyone,&8221; Boydstun said. &8220;(A championship) is the job at hand &8212; that&8217;s what we want to be. I feel like we&8217;ve got a shot.&8221;

&8220;I think if we keep playing this way, and keep getting better, we can do it,&8221; Jordan said.