The older these kids get, the faster the game moves and the louder the gyms get - but one thing stays the same: the heartbeat of Warren County basketball sits on the benches, clipboards in hand, building players one possession at a time. The 6–8 grade league doesn’t thrive because of stars alone. It thrives because of the men and women who choose to lead. They teach, they mentor, they steady the ship and they help 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds learn what it means to compete the right way.

These coaches aren’t just rolling basketballs out there and hoping talent takes over. They’re managing coverages, installing presses, adjusting on the fly and drawing up plays in front of roaring crowds. They’re teaching grit. Teaching poise. Teaching kids how to succeed when everything is loud and the stakes feel big. They carry the weight of expectations from players, parents and entire schools - and they still show up with patience and purpose every single night.

Most importantly, they help these boys fall in love with the game. They build confidence in kids who are still figuring out who they are. They show them how to win the right way, how to lose the right way and how to be coached through both. The foundation of high school basketball starts right here, in these gyms, under the guidance of coaches who understand the responsibility that comes with the job.

This week, we shine the spotlight on the coaches who make it all possible.
Our Coaches Edition of Players of the Week is presented by Kevin Rhoton at SouthPoint Risk, Cole Taylor Lawn Care, M&M Farms, McCorkle Landscaping and Crisp Springs Fireworks.

BOYD – TREY CANTRELL

Cantrell stepped into the job and immediately built a culture Boyd can be proud of. A former Wildcat star and college player, he brings intensity without sacrificing patience, holding his players to a high standard while teaching the fundamentals the right way. His group battled through heartbreakers early, then broke through late because he never let them stop believing. His voice, his energy and his competitive fire have set the tone for a program moving in the right direction.

CENTERTOWN – JOSH THAXTON

Thaxton leads with calm, confidence and a long-term vision that’s helped Centertown become the model of consistency in county basketball. Under his direction, the Warriors play fast but disciplined, physical but controlled and unselfish in every phase of the game. His teams don’t just win - they execute, adapt and thrive under pressure, which is why Centertown captured the regular-season title. Thaxton’s fingerprints are on everything the Warriors do well.

DIBRELL – BRYSON ELROD

Elrod brings passion and purpose to the Wildcats, blending old-school grit with a modern understanding of spacing and pace. He’s built one of the toughest, most resilient groups in the county, a team that reflects his own approach: defend hard, move the ball and fight through every possession. Dibrell’s success this season, especially with a target on its back, is a testament to his preparation and his ability to get the most out of every player who puts on a Wildcat jersey.

EASTSIDE – MITCHELL YOUNG

Young has turned Eastside into one of the county’s scrappiest, hardest-playing teams, and his group mirrors his own approach to the game - toughness, fundamentals and relentless effort. His Bulldogs never back down, never quit and never stop competing, no matter who’s on the other bench. Young’s steady leadership and commitment to teaching the game the right way have elevated Eastside into a team nobody enjoys playing.

IRVING COLLEGE – TYLER MORTON

Morton has guided the Tigers through adversity all season, keeping them steady, improving and competitive in every matchup. His players play with belief, confidence and purpose because he brings it to them every day. Irving College’s breakthrough win on the final night of the regular season wasn’t luck - it was a product of Morton’s patience, teaching and trust. He’s building a foundation that will serve the Tigers long after this season ends.

MORRISON – CHRIS ROBERSON

Roberson has Morrison playing some of its best basketball heading into the postseason, and that’s no accident. His poise on the sideline, his adjustments in real time and his understanding of how to maximize his roster make the Eagles one of the most dangerous teams in the field. He’s coached this group into a fearless, confident unit that shares the ball, defends hard and thrives in big moments. Roberson’s leadership is a major reason Morrison is a true contender.

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