New faces, past champions back on the sidelines in county ball
Brent Carden photos - Kelly Eckenrod, back again for the Centertown Lady Warriors, has built a Hall of Fame caliber resume while coaching county basketball in Warren County.
Basketball season is still a few months from taking center stage in Warren County, but preparations for championship chases are already underway.
With county leagues always bringing about local bragging rights and TMSAA competition waiting on the horizon, schools across the area have finalized many of their coaching staffs, blending new faces with veteran leaders who have become fixtures on local sidelines.
The latest move came Tuesday when Morrison Elementary announced the hiring of former Cannon County standout Lukas Phillips as its new boys basketball coach for the elementary and middle school programs.
Phillips replaces longtime coach Chris Roberson after a decorated playing career at Cannon County High School. In announcing the hire, Morrison highlighted Phillips' accomplishments, noting he was a Region MVP, joined the 1,000-point club and helped lead the Lions to three straight sectional appearances and their first state tournament appearance since 1985.
"In addition to his playing experience, Coach Phillips has coached youth basketball players in grades K-8 and is passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the court," Morrison said in its Facebook announcement. "We're thrilled to have him joining our Eagles family and can't wait to see the impact he'll make on our student-athletes this season. Welcome to Morrison, Coach Phillips! We're excited to watch our Eagles soar!"
While the Eagles have a new leader on the boys side, the Lady Eagles will continue to be guided by the familiar tandem of Alanna Starkey and Kylie Vincion.
Eastside also enters the season with a different look.
Mitchell Young will continue coaching the 6-8 grade Bulldogs while also taking over the 6-8 grade Lady Bulldogs. At the elementary level, Lexi Turner will lead the Lady Bulldogs, while Karla Rodriguez takes over the Bulldogs.
While some schools made changes, many of Warren County's championship programs are staying the course.
Kelly Eckenrod, the dean of Warren County's elementary and middle school basketball coaches, returns to Centertown looking to add another chapter to one of the county's premier dynasties. Eckenrod has guided the Lady Warriors to three straight county championships and once again has Centertown positioned among the favorites.
The Warriors are also bringing back reigning county champion Josh Thaxton after he led the 6-8 grade boys to a county title last season.
Centertown's continuity extends to the elementary ranks as Brittany McGee returns to coach the Lady Warriors and Kim Woods is back to lead the Warriors.
Boyd is also keeping much of its championship foundation intact.
Brian Reed returns after guiding the elementary Broncos to a regular-season championship before they captured the county tournament title. At the middle school level, Dara Johnson and Trey Cantrell are both back to lead the Lady Broncos and Broncos, respectively, while Haley Nowlin takes over the elementary Lady Broncos after last year's squad finished as county runner-up.
Irving College also brings back familiar faces. Jasmine Evans returns to coach both girls teams while expanding her role to include the 3-5 grade Tigers. Tyler Morton is back to lead the 6-8 grade Tigers.
Dibrell will once again have Adam Wood directing the 3-5 grade Lady Wildcats after the program made significant strides last season. Bryson Elrod also continues to continue on his family’s legacy of coaching at Dibrell, serving as head coach of both the 3-5 grade and 6-8 grade Wildcats. Bracton Womack, one of two local coaches pulling double duty at two schools this year, will be back at 6-8 grade girls coach.
The county's Division I programs also feature plenty of continuity.
Brent Carden photo - Shea Panter has cultivated a culture of winning titles while lead the Hickory Creek Lady Hawks.
Hickory Creek brings back two of the most successful coaches in recent county history. Shea Panter returns after leading the Lady Hawks to the summit last year - claiming the elusive county championship after years of dominating D1.
West Elementary also welcomes back Womack after the Wizards emerged as one of the county's hottest teams late last season. The school is still finalizing plans for its Lady Wizards coach.
At Bobby Ray, Leanne Morrison returns for her second season with the Stars after the team nearly shared the regular-season championship - losing a final regular season game to drop to second - and finished as county tournament runner-up a year ago. Veteran coach Phyllis Boren will once again guide the Lady Stars as Bobby Ray looks to remain among the county's top contenders.
While Morrison will again lead the Stars this winter, she'll also continue wearing another hat in town.
Morrison is the lone new face on the Warren County Middle School girls staff, taking over the sixth-grade Lady Pioneers while continuing her duties at Bobby Ray. Tyra Wright returns to lead the varsity Lady Pioneers, Isaiah Grayson begins his second season coaching the varsity boys and Ryan Smith is back for his second year guiding the sixth-grade Pioneers after previous coaching stops at Centertown, Covenant Academy and Warren County High School.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story noted that Boyd and Bobby Ray shared the co-championship in the boys regular season last season. That was incorrect. We apologize for the error.
Brent Carden photos - Tyra Rubio and Isaiah Grayson, former distinguished WCHS players, have started guiding the next hopeful hardwood stars as coaches at Warren County Middle School.
Brent Carden photos - Phyllis Boren and Leanne Morrison are back helping Bobby Ray build future basketball stars.
