As a hobby, Ryan Hudock likes to restore classic cars. It has been a passion he's shared with his father, Ray, since he was a youth. The duo has restored four cars and is currently working on a 1965 Chevelle.

Along with working on cars, the Northampton High School senior is also diligently working on a restoration project for the Konkrete Kids basketball program.

Playing the sport since the fifth grade, Hudock sees the team making major strides in reworking some tarnished spots and dents along the way into a respectable program in the Lehigh Valley. In fact, the Kids recently put together a modest two-game winning streak this season after they managed just three victories all last season.

"We just lost a tough game in overtime," noted Hudock about a recent defeat to Phillipsburg that left the Kids with an overall 2-5 mark to begin the week. "We have been up and down.

"But overall, this has been a different year for us. We're playing more as a team this season and we have more confidence. We just have to keep working and moving forward. We have the talent here, and we just have to put it all together.

"We still seem to have some letdowns at bad times of the game. Honestly, I don't know why it happens."

Hudock implied that his team may be reading press clippings of some anticipated stalwarts of the Lehigh Valley, as they suffered lopsided losses to Nazareth and Salisbury sandwiched around a series of tight-knit contests.

"I can't speak for everyone, but maybe we get intimidated by some teams," added Hudock. "I know I have never felt that way. But we will get better. There is a better chemistry with this team. We do play well together."

Head coach Coy Stampone appreciates his senior's grit and will as Hudock has played both in the front and back courts for the Kids.

"Ryan (Hudock) has been called on to play many positions for us," said Stampone. "He has always had a great work ethic and attitude. He is totally committed to the success of our program."

Hudock credits his drive and determination to older brother, Jared, who graduated from the program two years ago.

"I have followed in his footsteps," said the younger Hudock. "We have always been competitive and committed to doing all we can. He (Jared) helped me learn about the game."

After high school, Hudock plans to attend Northampton Community College to pursue a degree in criminal justice. He currently has aspirations of becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a model set forth by his uncle, Joel Rutter, who recently retired.

"I have been thinking about it (state trooper) for a while," said Hudock. "I feel like it would be a good career for me and it would be another big challenge."

In the meantime, Hudock will continue with the challenge of the restoration of the Kids' basketball program.