Northampton’s Tristen Pinnock couldn’t have asked for a better way to end his high school football career.

In the final game against Catasauqua on Thanksgiving morning, Pinnock scored five touchdowns – three via the air and two on the ground – in his team’s 42-12 rout. He was named MVP of the game and was a key part of a memorable 12-1 ride this past fall.

Yet, it wasn’t an entirely new path.

Pinnock has been part of an 11-1 team the previous year, and he also was part of a basketball team that went 21-8 and advanced to the state semifinals.

So when basketball began this winter, the junior admittedly had some culture shocks. The Konkrete Kids lost their starting five and transition was the key word.

Beginning this week, the Kids were 4-7 and seeded seventh in the District 11 Class 6A rankings. Pinnock is the lone returner with some experience, as he averaged 3.5 points per game last season.

“It definitely has been a humbling experience,” stated Pinnock. “I went from a 12-1 season in football to a time where we are going through some tough times. It’s all about gaining experience.

“We all have to be able to adjust.”

Pinnock doesn’t see a big transition from former head coach Coy Stampone to current leader Matt Scholl.

“They are very similar,” he said about the two coaches. “Matt has changed a few things, but we are still running basically the same offenses and the same defense. Coach Scholl has done a great job, and he believes in us.”

Scholl has relied on Pinnock for his familiarity with the program.

“Tristen is an incredible three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track,” said Scholl. “He was one of the few returning players on our team who had experience playing last year and provided stability at the beginning of the season.

“Defensively, he is a key piece in our matchup zone defense.”

Pinnock believes his team can turn the corner in the second half of the season.

“I definitely think we can go on a run,” said Pinnock. “We feel that we can take advantage of the situation ahead of us.

“We believe we have it in us. We have started to play better basketball, and it will continue. We have a lot of different guys in different roles. It has taken time.”

Pinnock has felt comfortable being in a leadership role. He understands his role.

“We have some young guys, and guys who haven’t been in these types of roles,” he said. “I know what I have to do and what I have to do to be a leader.

“I definitely have to learn to shoot more. I have to take more shots, and be more of a contributor.”

Still, he realizes his potential impact to help turn his team around.

“I need to be a role model here,” he added. “I have to make people follow in my footsteps, and work hard like I have done.

“We have a lot of potential, and we’ll get it done.”