SPOTLIGHT: TOP HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACHES
As we approach the begining of the regular season, no doubt our minds are thinking about who will still be standing at the Breslin Center in March. That is when the area’s best basketball coaches try and work their magic to guide their teams in a quest to play for a championship. Here is a snap shot of a few coaches working their magic. Don’t be upset if your coach is not on the list. As the year goes on we will be highlighting coaches from across the state.
ROY JOHNSTON – Beaverton High School
It doesn’t get much more “small town” than Beaverton, Michigan. The population of this little berg, nestled in the southwest corner of Gladwin County, is a little town called Beaverton, MI. The place to be in the winter is at the high school, crammed into the Roy F. Johnston Gymnasium for an exciting brand of basketball, which has been coached for nearly five decades by a true basketball legend. Johnston moved past River Rouge legend Lofton Greene as the winningest boys basketball coach in Michigan high school history.
MARK KEELER- Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian
Keeler has been coaching at Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian since 1985 and has a career record of 546-169 heading into this season. His teams have won 20 league titles, 20 district championships, 13 regional crowns and eight state final appearances, winning four. Keeler, who was inducted into the BCAM Hall of Fame in 2016.
KEITH GUY- Muskegon
Coah Guy has produced quite a resume including a Class A State Championship 2013-14, 14 District Championships, 8 Regional Championships, 6 Final Fours and 2 Mr. Basketball players. He made the jump to Muskegon from Muskegon Heights in 2012. Taking on the dual role as athletic director as well. He talks about improving and competing every single day, not only for himself and his players, but the athletic program as a whole.
MIKE WILLIAMS – Flint Beecher
Coach Mike Williams has helped build a dynasty boys basketball program at Beecher High School, winning five of the last seven Class C titles.Williams now closing in on 300 wins in 14 seasons at Beecher, included with the five state titles are nine regional and ten district titles.
TEDARO FRANCE – New Haven
In 10 season as Head Coach and leader of the New Haven Boys Basketball program Coach France has amazed a record of 185- 58. Coach France has lead the Rockets to 6 District Championships, 5 Regional Championships in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 which is 5 out of the 6 in school history, 2 Regional Final appearance, and 3 Quarter Final appearances. In 2017 Coach France lead the Rockets to its first ever Basketball State Championship and to the State Semi-Finals in 2018.