Veteran hoops coach Bradley reaches 1,000 boys victories

Ron Bradley became the first Georgia coach to win 1,000 boys basketball games Monday night when Heritage of Conyers defeated Morgan County 53-18 in a holiday tournament in McDonough.

Bradley, 74, is 1,000-299 for his career, which began in 1957 at Newton County High.

“When you look back on records, kids today don’t care about that; they’re wanting to know what you’re going to do now,” Bradley said. “Each season is important to them. We’ve got a game tonight, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s always a thrill.”

Hertiage (7-4) plays Jackson in the championship game.

According to the National Federation of High Schools record book, Bradley ranks ninth all-time and second among active coaches in victories in boys games.

Bradley has won another 353 games in girls basketball, which he no longer coaches.

His overall record is 1,353-390, meaning he could go 0-30 for 30 seasons and still have a winning record.

Bradley’s wife, Jan, his high school sweetheart at Avondale, has attended all but five of his games and often keeps statistics for the team.

Bradley has coached at nine schools and won state titles at two of them: Newton County in 1964 and George Walton Academy in 1976 and 1985.

“When you hit a milestone, it gives you a chance to reflect on so many young people you’ve had a chance to work with,” Bradley said. “They’re in an activity they love or they wouldn’t be out there. You’ve got their attention. We have a chance to touch their lives.”