Central Penn College Taps Kenton Alston as New Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Central Penn College has named Kenton Alston as their new head men’s basketball coach for the Knights.

Alston, who served as a part-time assistant coach during the 2023–24 season, officially took the helm and entered his first season leading the program in May.

A respected leader with a deep history in Pennsylvania basketball, Alston brings a dynamic combination of coaching experience, athletic achievement, and leadership both on and off the court.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kenton Alston as our new head men’s basketball coach,” said Kasey Hicks, Athletic Director at Central Penn College. “Coach Alston brings an incredible family-first mindset that aligns perfectly with our department’s mission. His passion, energy, and commitment to player development—on and off the court—make him the ideal person to lead our program into the future.”

Before joining Central Penn’s staff, Alston served as Junior Varsity Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Steelton-Highspire High School (2021–23), and prior to that, he spent two seasons as a varsity assistant at Bishop McDevitt High School (2013–15), helping the program secure its first District 3 Championship in more than two decades.

As a player, Alston’s legacy is equally impressive. He starred at Steel-High, where he was a key contributor to three District III titles (1999, 2000, 2001) and a PIAA AAA State Championship in 2000. A three-time Conference All-Star and Patriot News Big 15 selection, Alston finished his high school career as a 1,000-point scorer.

He continued his playing career at Penn State Harrisburg, where he was a four-time All-Conference selection (three-time First Team NEAC), two-time NEAC Champion, and a four-year team captain. In 2012, he was named the school’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Alston left as the program’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks—and was inducted into the inaugural Penn State Harrisburg Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025.

In addition to his coaching and playing experience, Alston is the founder of Alston Performance, a basketball training company based in Central Pennsylvania. He is a Gold Licensed USA Basketball Coach and a proud veteran who served for 13 years in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. Alston holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State Harrisburg and a master’s in Sports Leadership from Duquesne University.

Coach Alston’s coaching philosophy centers on development and discipline: “My goal is to create an environment that encourages student-athletes to learn and develop on and off the court. Hard work and preparation will be emphasized in order to put our program in the best position possible for success.”

Alston shared his excitement about taking on the head coaching role.

“I am honored and humbled to accept the role as head coach of this historic program at Central Penn College. I can’t help but be excited and moved by the great responsibility and opportunity of now leading and building upon the incredible Knights tradition. I am so excited to get to work and can’t wait to see what we all can accomplish together!”

With a proven track record of excellence and leadership, Central Penn College is confident that Coach Alston will guide the Knights to new heights—while continuing to foster a culture of integrity, perseverance, and family.