AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWho are the state’s top coaches?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the fall, AJC High opened and we picked from a pool of the 10 best football coaches to bring us immediate success. Well, it’s basketball season and we need boys and girls titles to go with that football championship.
We have combed the state, asking athletic directors, coaches and other sportswriters for their suggestions on two coaching hires. We came up with what we believe is a solid list of the best coaches out there. We list them in alphabetical order.
AJC Take Ten has made its list, but who do you think are the top coaches?
Girls
Jan Azar, Wesleyan: With three straight state titles on her resume, Azar has built a powerhouse program at the Gwinnett County school. She seems to get the most out of the talent she has and does a good job of developing that talent.
Garrett Black, Greenbrier: Described as the consummate coach, he is the son of a long-time Augusta area coach. He also has a softball title on his resume. Black has built the Wolfpack into a contender with pressure defense and transition scoring. Plus, his team wins with 5-foot-9 players in the post.
Alvin Copeland, Northeast-Macon: He is sort of an icon in the middle Georgia area. He’s won five state championships. Each year, his teams seem to be somewhere in the mix come playoff time.
Johnny Farmer, Fannin Co.: He has a couple state titles at a school that seems to get overlooked. With a miminum talent base, Farmer always seems to have his teams in contention. Farmer’s teams always seem to play a team-oriented style with good offensive execution.
Sheryl Fowler, Hillgrove: It should come as no surprise that the first-year Cobb County school has experienced a great deal of success. Fowler built a respected program at McEachern that reached the state playoffs the last nine seasons. She made some good hires for assistant coaches and helped staff the lower programs that will ensure continued success.
Dave LaBarrie, Heritage: He is credited with building Stone Mountain into a state contender during his 14 years at the school. LaBarrie left with a state title and as DeKalb County’s all-time winningest girls’ coach. He is starting to build the foundation for a dormant Hertitage program that has only one state playoff appearance in its history.
Wendell Lofton, Hephzibah: Lofton’s crowning moment came when his 2005 team went unbeaten and won the Class AAA title. Prior to that, Lofton had several finals appearance in AAAA. Each year, he graduates some good players, but his team is back in the playoff mix.
Ashley Phillips, Mill Creek: Talk about building from scratch, Phillips started the program at the Gwinnett County school. Mill Creek is a serious contender in Class AAAA. They are the only program in the state this season to give top-ranked Collins Hill a serious challenge.
Dennis Watkins, Stephenson: Each year the Jaguars graduate a talented senior class, but seem to have more talent waiting in the wings. Stephenson plays an unselfish style of ball and aggressive pressure defense. Watkins has built a respected program at the Stone Mountain school. He is also one of the best-dressed coaches in the state.
Jim Waller, Landmark Christian: Success has seemed to follow him at ever stop. He won three titles at Woodward while coaching a national player of the year. He built a solid foundation at Sandy Creek and won the region championship last season in his first year at Landmark Christian, which is the top-ranked team in Class A this season.
Boys
Courtney Brooks, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy: Some would argue that he has had two McDonald’s All-Americans to help win a pair of state titles. Dwight Howard and Javaris Crittenton will be the first to tell you that Brooks is a big reason for their success on and off the court. He gets credit for player development and putting the team in a position to be successful.
Scott Bracco, Dunwoody: Since taking over at the school, the Wildcats have been a consistent playoff contender. He jelled the talents of several players and they bought into his system. Bracco does a good job of preparation, which is a big reason the Wildcats have two consecutive state titles.
Russell Ellington, Beach: A living legend in the state. This marks the 40th anniversary of leading the Savannah school to its only GHSA title. He has coached on all levels and been successful. Ellington was the first African-American coach in the state to win a GHSA title in any sport.
Aaron Geter, Wilkinson County: He is another one of those coaches who knows what to do with talent. The Warriors are a consistent playoff contender. Geter, a pretty solid college player at Mercer, has a few state titles on his resume.
Doug Lipscomb, Wheeler: You can’t argue with success, and he has been super successful at the Cobb County school. Wheeler players buy into Lipscomb’s system. Wheeler travels around the country and has a lot of success against some of the top programs in the nation. Wheeler has four state titles under Lipscomb.
Eddie Martin, Norcross: He had some respectable teams during his tenure at Brookwood. Despite a lack of abundant talent, the Broncos were playoff contenders with one final four appearance. Martin has adjusted his coaching style to fit the talent at Norcross, which won state last year and was a finalist in 2005.
Milt Travis, Buford: Each year the Wolves graduate a solid team, but when you look up, the school is back in the final four. Buford usually gets a late start on the season because of the football success, but sticks around pretty deep in the basketball season.
Ray Tucker, Armuchee: Tucker had a good run at Calhoun before moving on to Armuchee. He has over 500 wins and numerous state titles.
Sharman White, Miller Grove: He is one of the young and promising coaches in the state. He rebuilt the program at Atlanta’s Carver High and led them to a finals appearance three years ago. He is starting to build a state-contender program at this DeKalb County school.
Carter Wilson, Decatur: There might not be a better bench coach in the state. He has not yet won a state title, but has lead Tucker and Decatur into the finals. He has served as mentor to several young coaches in the state.
Permalink | Comments (66) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By black
January 31, 2007 07:27 PM | Link to this
What about Otis Smart down at laney high school in Augusta.This man goes to the playoffs every year and still he gets no credit,you guys are way off.
By big blue
January 31, 2007 07:42 PM | Link to this
i don’t know how this list is complete, without Coach Charle Hood of Marietta whose been in over 10 state championship games.
By Ernest
January 31, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this
Derrick:
Good list however my brethren south of the ‘gnat line’ might cite a bias to coaches north of that line. I don’t know as many now but ‘back in the day’, there were serious coaches in Macon (SW & NE Macon), Columbus (Hardaway & Spencer), and Albany (Doughtery and Westover), to name a few. I hope some of those down south weigh in on this discussion.
By Derrick Mahone
January 31, 2007 08:53 PM | Link to this
Ernest:
Thanks. This list, and I probably should have got it in the lead in, is for current coaches. Of the 10 (ten) girls coaches six are from the metro area and on the boys side seven are from the metro area. There were some omission of some very good coaches. I am sure it will be pointed out that Joe Williams of Randolph-Clay is not on here and some others.
Big Blue:
You make a good point with Charlie Hood and his name was mention by some of the people that I consulted.
Black:
I actually had coach Smart name on the list, but discovered I had 12 names and decided to take him off. He has over 500 wins and something like 17 region titles. He is definitely a worthy choice.
As Jeff Sentell of the Augusta Chronicle pointed out that the Augusta area is sort of the cradle of coaches. Winningest football coach (Larry Campbell) and coach with that has coached in the most games (Luther Welsh). You also have Lynn Brantley of Josey, Marvin Fields of Westside and Leroy Jordan of Swainsboro.
By e pitts
January 31, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this
joe williams coahes at randolph/clay
By B-Ball AD
February 1, 2007 08:01 AM | Link to this
Without a doubt…BRACCO BRACCO BRACCO!!!!!!!
By Charles
February 1, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this
Come on let’s look at some of the teams that Paul Meirie has had at the Paideia School in Atlanta.
By she hate me
February 1, 2007 09:06 AM | Link to this
Marcus Searcy, Head Coach, Avondale High School Lady Blue Devils deserves to be on the list. His record over the last four years is worthy of top consideration…classy guy, first class assistant coaches, and classy girls who are all top students academically.
By Neal
February 1, 2007 09:13 AM | Link to this
What about Darin Rogers at Westlake. he has two stat championships and one of those was a 34-0 undefeated season. People are always complaining about city schools not winning the big games and he’s done it twice. Come on ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION please talk about the schools in your city sometimes and stop running behind every other county or city outside of ATLANTA.
By ehall1987
February 1, 2007 09:17 AM | Link to this
Seth Vining of Lakeview Academy. He won 4 state titles at East Hall. He won two with the girls(1979 and 1980) and two for the best boys program in the state(2001 and 2003).
By the high
February 1, 2007 09:25 AM | Link to this
What about Tim Jordan of savannah high? The jacket go to the state tournament every year and he get know credit what is accomplishing.
By bball11
February 1, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this
test
By baller
February 1, 2007 09:30 AM | Link to this
Some of these coaches may be good coaches but many of them are winning on pure talent. It is amazing how many “transfers” wind up at Norcross, Wheeler and Dunwoody. Basketball has become a hired gun sport. Instead of building a program from your feeder programs you just go get what you need.
By basketball55
February 1, 2007 09:34 AM | Link to this
You need to add Mike Allison from South Gwinnett!! He has owned region 8-aaaaa for the last 3 years and I think if my math is correct he is 45-1 in region play for the last three years!!! He also has a state championship on his resume!!!
By MC
February 1, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
James Harty……….. All that needs to be said is Dem Tucker Tigers. Owners of region 6AAAA.
By E-MAc
February 1, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
What about Sterling Hicks at Kendrick High School in Columbus. He has lost only 3 game the last 3 years. Over the last 4 years, he has 1 Championship game appearance and 3 Final Four appearances. This year remains to be seen, but he has a chance to win it all. Furthermore, he does it without being a nuisance to the basketball officials. Great coach and great human being.
By Phog
February 1, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
South Georgia does exist.
Quite possibly the best coach in the state is at a GISA school. Crisp Academy has Cliff Ranew. Ranew made the Lowndes boys into a good team, which is quite a statement. He has been successful at every single school he’s been, which is a pretty good list.
Girls suggestions: - Ronald Booker, Beach - Sterling Hicks, Kendrick - Hugh McBride, Jeff Davis (also had some good JD boys teams in the 1970s) - A.C. McCullers, Union Grove - Jeanne Roberts, Echols County (EC is back from the dead) - Matt Troutman, Taylor County
Boys suggestions: - Archie Chatmon, Albany - Tim Jordan, Savannah - Rufus McDuffie, Valdosta (successful, but I’m curious as to what will happen here) - Jason Shell, Calvary Day - Seth Vining, Lakeview Academy - Joe Williams, Randolph-Clay - Warren Roberts, Wheeler County (he’s never been saddled with a great team to guide and I don’t know if he’s ever even been to state, but he gets the most out of what he has)
By Big Daddy
February 1, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Stephanie Dunn St Pius, 6 straight region champions & 2 state championships over the pass 6 years. Playing the toughest schedule posssible.
By Marietta
February 1, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this
How do you not put Charlie Hood on that list 40 yrs state championships, NBA players, countless region titles and may be having one of his best seasons with this years team just ask Wheeler last weekend.
By Man
February 1, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this
I am surprised that Dr. Phil McCrary at Columbia High is not on the boys’ list. With only 2 losing seasons in his 20 plus years as head coach, last year’s state title solidifies his legacy in the state of Georgia. He is 2nd in Dekalb County with a record of 388-167.In in addition to that, he has more than 60 players that have gone on to play Div. I ball, and 4 more going this year. It is time to show Dr. McCrary some love.
By Gan0l3
February 1, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this
I think Coach Bill Roberts of Salem High School has done a tremendous job with the talent out of Conyers, Ga and has made great strides each year. From 1st round of the state tourney to the Sweet 16 and playing the eventual state champ closer than most anyone else had that year. Outside of talent, his preparation and tactical ability has paid off well. It’s hard to say that someone is “the best” but the job he’d done and has continued (going on 3rd straight 20 win season, sub region titles, region finals, etc, etc) deserves recognition.
By Victoria Wins
February 1, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this
I Think when you talk about Coaching in the state of Georgia, you have to mention MARCUS SEARCY, and his coaching staff at AVONDALE HIGH. His win loss record in the past 4 years has to be among the tops in the state in all classes. He may not win best dressed coach of the year(the staff could at least all get the same coaching shirts or something) but he has been consistant in winning and has put together one of the best programs in the state. In a year where he has lost 2 starters from a state championship team, he has managed to put his team in position to win another state championship starting 2 freshman! GOOD JOB! Doing more with less..
By Todd Holcomb
February 1, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this
i don’t know how this list is complete, without Coach Charle Hood of Marietta whose been in over 10 state championship games.
Coach Hood is a legend, and I recommended him to Derrick, but for the record, he’s been in TWO state championship games, not ”over 10.”
He did win then both — in 1983 w/ Cedric Henderson and 1999 w/ Ezra Williams. Bad luck and injury perhaps cost him a third in 2002 w/ Ewing and Ellis. He also had a tremendous team w/ Dale Ellis in 1979 that made the semifinals.
By Todd Holcomb
February 1, 2007 05:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but Coach Hood coached in THREE state c’ship games. I correct others, then must correct myself.
Marietta lost in the 1997 final vs. Roswell.
By Mike
February 1, 2007 06:38 PM | Link to this
I’m going to pretend I didn’t see a list of boys coaches that failed to include Ron Bradley. He only holds the all-time record for victories in the state of Georgia and I believe is # 6 nationally. Currently @ GAC, he took his most famous school, Newton County to the AAAAA final 4 in 2005 and won the state title way back in 1964. He has done an amazing job in almost 50 years of coaching without a D-1 player to be found anywhere. No disrespect to any of the very fine coaches on the list, but whoever put this list together apparently fell down the steps and hit their head !! This fine man should NEVER have been omitted from this list.
By Ron Sattele
February 1, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this
Presently I am the head women’s basketball coach at Oglethorpe Univ. Prior to this, I was the head girl’s coach at St. Pius X and I hired Stephanie Dunn as my asst. I can tell you first hand that Coach Dunn is a first class person and coach. Over the last 8 years, St. Pius has been the most successful girl’s program in the state averaging over 22 wins per year with 6 region titles and 2 state championships plus sending approximately 15 of its players on to play college ball. I’m sure if you ask Jan Azar or Dave LaBarrie who both deserve to be on the list that excluding Coach Dunn is an obvious oversight. Sincerely
By bluedevil
February 2, 2007 07:39 AM | Link to this
The top ten High School Coaches Basketball is scary because there is no mention of James Martin currently coaching golf at Cedar Grove and a victim of the system. Nobody wants their child to be coached by the old school coaches – DISCIPLINE AND CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CHILDS FUTURE. He won two state titles and created history and tradition in Griffin. Ranked in the USA Today, traveled to Hawaii, California, Myrtle Beach, and Fort Myers all big time tournaments. Moved to Towers and built the same tradition 3 trips to the state tournament 1 to the Final Four and 2 to the Elite Eight. CONSISTENCY Whether you have talent or not. If you know basketball the Griffin and Douglass, Washington, Lagrange, & North Clayton rivalries do not exist anymore, thanks to kids having wrong address and the Marta taking them to wrong districts.
James Martin should be on this list even though he is not coaching basketball at the current time and could make any program successful
By robert
February 2, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this
Lee Hill boys coach at Statesboro High needs to be added to that list.
By Superstar
February 2, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
How do you leave the 2006 4A Coach of the year off the list…He has already beat two of your candidates…Show Phil Some love
By Superstar
February 2, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this
How do you leave the 2006 4A Coach of the year off the list…He has already beat two of your candidates…Show Phil Some love
By Samuel Johnson
February 2, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this
How can Joe Williams from Randolph Clay not be on any list of great HS coaches?
This is bullcrap!
6 state championships. Many, many state runner-ups and Final 4s. Darn near 1000 victories.
And don’t forget about Rufus McDuffie from the Mitchell Baker days in the 90’s. Six straight trips to the championship game (4 titles, 2 runner-ups).
This list is the best joke of 2007!
By James Owen
February 2, 2007 09:32 PM | Link to this
Jimmie Hires, now AD at Richmond Hill is one of the top coaches in the state. Too bad he is not coaching basketball anymore. Three state championships and many other runs deep into he state tournament.
By brandon
February 2, 2007 09:40 PM | Link to this
whut about coach reddick at south atlanta
By dub
February 2, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Milt travis, come on. What about gerald arnold. He got the whole buford basketball thing rolling and now is doing it at peachtree ridge.
By tony caruso
February 3, 2007 08:21 AM | Link to this
Richard Porter should be on this list he was at Newtown County in the late 70’s and 80’s won several region championships and made several final fours plus won a state championship in florida. He has over 650 wins.
By tremell
February 3, 2007 08:48 AM | Link to this
Are you folks crazy… Taylor County gott two hall of fame coaches… They both aree the only non-retired coaches with 8 state championships a piece in three different decades.. Who in the hell made this list.. must not have did any investigation…
By Greg
February 3, 2007 09:08 AM | Link to this
You should have made this list into two catagories, coaches and recruiters/cheaters. If you recruit and cheat then you should move to the college level. However, those so called coaches that fall into the recruiter/cheater category don’t have the guts to do so.
By Emory Attig
February 3, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Coach Dave Burnett from Milton High School He is an interim head coach coaching a team of undersized scrappy basketball players and has won 14 games already including big wins over Centennial, Chattahoochee, Northview, and Peachtree Ridge. Dont forget the one point loss to Dunwoody in season opener.
By Nick
February 3, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
He doesnt have anywhere close to the talent level he once had and was clearly not expecting to be in the position he is in as he was brought in to coach volleyball, but now he is assistant ad, volleyball coach, girls and boys basketball coach and ontop of all that, a teacher and father. He has already won his state titles and his teams have shut down players like dwight howard to do that. Coach Cain probably wont take Northgate to a state title for the boys or girls due to their strength of schedule and inexperience, but Coach Cain is not as much about his teams record, but his teams growth as people. Thanks Coach Cain, next year promises to be better…
By Mahone
February 3, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Duke Mullis @ Chattahoochee has done more with less than anyone in the state. But I can’t expect a guy who never played ball in his life to understand that. Martin & Lipscomb, please, you could win with all the shady transfers they get ever year.
By Zach
February 3, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
I agree with Bluedevil. The story should be titled the “Top Ten Best Recruiters”. There is no doubt that the coaches listed on the list are solid. Their winning percentages speak for them. My question is the criterior that is being used to measure them as the “best”. Top level players are being drawn to the high profile programs. Parents, in general, want to give their child the best chance to suceed. There are some very good coaches that do not have these advantages. To me, the measure of a Top Coach is the improvement his tam makes from the start of the season to the end of the season regardless of the talent level of the team. Congratulations to the coaches chosen by your survey, but let us also recognize the other coaches who are also deserving.
By cashpak
February 3, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this
Coach Davis at Meadowcreek for boys?
By Rex from The AB Show
February 4, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
AB says Garret Black has a fine ball club each and every year!!!!
By blaque
February 4, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Coach Craine at Druid Hills. He coaches his own players not other players. No transfers, no recruiting players, and he is very humble. If Druid Hills get some respect from the refs, dekalb county, and other coaches, this school will be a state contender each year. Some coaches are overrated. Look at the transfers and where these kids should be going to school. Coach your own players and stop stealing players. I don’t have to mention names, but only school that deserves their state title is Avondale girls last year. Come on it’s 4 D-1 players at one school. Please!!!!
By Dre
February 4, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Umm..Todd, I know you’ve seen me before. I’m the mouth of the city. Where is COACH DONALD DOLLAR!!!
By Dre
February 4, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Todd, I know you’ve seen me before, I’m bout to meantion to great coaches from right here in Atlanta. David Jones at Southside High School Donald Dollar at Douglass High School, Eva Thomas and Clarkston. I’m not sure where else he’s coach, but you guys know that Donald Dollar belongs on this list.
By North Endzone
February 4, 2007 08:06 PM | Link to this
Now that he has come out of retirement, Chuck Miller has to be on the list as well. With over 850 vistories in his career, he has been the face of high school basketball in this state since the early 70’s!! He stood up for basketball back when everyone just cared about football. Thanks to him our sport has grown into a huge part of high school athletics.
Seth Vining Eddie Martin Duke Mullis Lee Hill Mark Andrews Rusty Hudson (Ret.) Gene Durden Phil McCary Scott Bracco Gerald Arnold Ron Link Larry Bing (Rand. Clay, Mit. Baker) Ron Bell (Ret.)
Are all on my list.
By Lady Blue Devils # 1 Fan
February 4, 2007 08:41 PM | Link to this
Marcus Searcy - Avondale Lady Blue Devils I totally agree that this coach should be recognized as one of the top coaches in the state. He has not only put his team in the runnings for another State Championship, but he is also building his program to be in the runnings next season. The coaching staff is awesome, the girls are wonderful on and off the court… give the man some credit.
By RAMS#33
February 5, 2007 02:44 AM | Link to this
how about Ronald Bradley, he is the all-time winningest coach in the history of the NATION, not to mention the state!!! how about some credit. you guys just do these rankings based on whats current. he received many of these wins in the Pre-transfer era, back wwhen your team roster was based on who you want in your school, not who you want thats in the nation. Coach Bradley deserves some props
By T-Rex
February 5, 2007 09:31 AM | Link to this
Tim Criswell from Carrollton needs to be mentioned. He has averaged 20 wins a year for almost 20 years. He has won with not but a handful of D1 players in those years. He continues to win with a bunch of athletic football players and undersized post players. Great basketball coach in a football town.
By bluedevil
February 5, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
I tried not send another comment, however there are too many post from those who are not knoweledgeable about GA High School Basketball? In the 2000 you have to mention names of schools with the coaches. In the past it was not necessary, Some of the coaches from the present are not teaching the kids about basketball or life, They find the right AAU coach and an address and believes that this coaching. Please coach when your talent is not that great and X’s and O’s are required. The country schools dominated the State Championships for years (SW Macon, Griffin, Lagrange, Washington Co., Albany, Randolph Clay, Westover,Mitchell Baker) Then they create AAAAA so that Gwinnett Co can appear to be successful and the coach for UGA makes the statement that the best basketball is in Gwinnett Co. I tell you GA basketeball has taken a turn for the worse. It is not exciting when there was Darrin Hancock, Greg Minor, Elmore Spencer, Marquis Hicks, James Forrest, Antonio Wingfield, Jeff Shepherd, Ivano Newbill, Sharone Wright,Sebastain Neal, etc. The gym was crowded every night and kids were excited about going to GA Tech for the Finals. Finally I want to start a program with a coach that is Consistently competitve, concerned about getting kids in college, and preparing kids how to survive and adapt to real life situations. Now let us create a Top ten List.
By red bud card
February 5, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
I called Coach Tucker. He was flattered to be mentioned.But he said quickly what about Coach Ron Bradley, Charlie Hood, Joe Williams, Rufus McDuffie, Seth Vining, Tim Jordan, Larry Bing, Joe Dix, Jim Van Es. Maybe the list should be the top 100.
By Todd
February 5, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
How about Coach Billy Davis of Meadowcreek? Winners of Region 8AAAAA last year and this year? Plus, it’s MEADOWCREEK!!!! Give em some credit.
By 912 baller
February 5, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Russell Ellington from Beach HS on your list. But, the girls coach at Beach High—Ronald Booker—should be on your list as well as Savannah High coach Tim Jordan. They are two of the best defensive coaches in the state. PERIOD. Multiple region championships and a state title on their resume should suffice.
By kenny
February 5, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Region 6 aaa is grossly underrated. watch out for surprises during the playoffs.
By kenny
February 5, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Region 6 aaa is grossley under rated. Watch out for surprises during the playoff.
By The Truth
February 6, 2007 07:44 AM | Link to this
Good look adding Coach Ashley Phillips to the list. A very talented coach who actively coaches and strategizes. He does not just sit back and spectate.
By Elephant4life
February 6, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this
Come on now. Seth Vining and Joe Dix at East Hall are a final four staple in whatever class they are in. Dix handed Columbia there only loss last year. They do it with farm hands and plow boys every year. They might be the only nonrecruiters in metro…
By James
February 6, 2007 09:34 AM | Link to this
Even though they have won a lot of games,I do not think Tim Jordan of Savannah should be on the list either, per past players and parents. Almost none of his kids go on to college and he has the reputation of using kids to win but care nothing about what happens to them after eligibility runs out. The best coaches truly care about their kids and show it one way or another.
By POINT GIZZLE
February 6, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Anthony Stroud of SWD.The last couple years have been great at SWD.He coached one of the best pgs in the state in Tay Barber.They are always in the title hunt each year.I think his team last year was one of his best hes ever had.They put on a show at the Peach State Classic at Morehouse and he was the main reason.Also,he is probably the only coach in the state who doesnt recruit and steal players and still has 20 win seasons.Big ups coach!!!!!
By 912 baller
February 6, 2007 04:35 PM | Link to this
To James,
The question asks “Best coach” not “best human being that coaches basketball.” His teams win and play by the rules. His actions as a human being for not caring for his players OFF the court shouldn’t detract from what he’s accomplished ON the court. Just because his players don’t sign to major Division I programs doesn’t mean he hasn’t helped them, because I know some of his players are at Division I-AA Savannah State and Division II Armstrong Atlantic.
By FAN #1
February 6, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this
THERE ARE ALOT OF GREAT COACHES ACROSS THE STATE OF GA.I HAVE THE UP MOST RESPECT FOR EACH COACH.BUT,I ALSO THINK STROUD OF SWD SHOULD BE ONE OF THE TOP COACHES.HE IS ONE OF THE TOP COACHES IN DEKALB AND HE PLAYS BY THE RULES.NO CHEATING!NO RECRUITING!JUST PLAN WINNING THE RIGHT WAY AT A SCHOOL THAT IS BASICALLY KNOWN FOR IT`S BAND AND FOOTBALL TEAM.STROUD ALWAYS FINDS A WAY TO GET IN THE STATE.NOW I JUST WANNA SEE HIM WIN ONE AND HIS LEGACY WILL BE COMPLETE!!!!!
By blaque
February 7, 2007 08:13 AM | Link to this
THANKS BLUEDEVIL. YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT’S GOING ON. AAU COACHES ARE KILLING THESE KIDS AND THESE COACHES WITH THE TRANSFERS FROM DIFFERENT SCHOOL. COACH YOUR OWN PLAYERS AND STOP STEALING. DEKALB COUNTY AND GWINNETT KNOW WHAT THESE COACHES ARE DOING. THEY KNOW IT BUT IT’S ALL ABOUT MONEY.
By Mustang Man
February 7, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Billy Davis has lead the Meadowcreek Mustangs to a 22-2 record and they are currently ranked #2 in the state (AAAAA) with one regular season game left. They avenged one of their early season losses to Beach with a victory. Leving coach Davis off this list is a travesty. Maybe when Meadowcreek beats Norcross for the state championship they’ll get a little respect!
By Tommy
February 7, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
To leave Ron Bradley off the list is disrespectful to the game of basketball in the state. He is a 1997 inductee to the GA Sports Hall of Fame, how many of the other people on the list can say that. This is a coach who has also done it with out EVER recruiing any players, which is illegal in GHSA for those who forget. This man not only developes great basketball teams he also developes great young men. The people who came up with the list should be ashamed, not to mention never taken seriously in a conversation about high school basketball. Leaving him off is a joke, how many other coaches on your list career victories go into the thousands.
By Growlin' Proud 821206
February 7, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Coach Tony Stroud of SWD is a FABULOUS coach. I agree with Fan #1, he ALWAYS plays by the rules, NO cheating, NO recruiting, just Plain, Good ‘O’ B’ball. Just like his dad taught him, who I might add should also be amongst this list — Coach Cleveland Stroud, Rockdale County, that is, if you recognize great RETIREES.