Joseph Hayes
The Times Herald
What makes a season special? School tradition? The fans? The players?
On many occasions, it can come down to the ones calling the shots, especially in high school boys basketball. The Blue Water Area has been trending in the right direction for several years and this season it has taken another step toward competing with the best programs in the state.
New Haven has already clinched the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division. St. Clair got off to an 11-1 start and programs like Armada and Brown City have taken another step forward in their progress.
On Sunday we will focus on the best players, as the Times Herald Top 25 Boys Basketball Player List will be unveiled. But before we get to that, let's take a look at how local coaches would rank this season.
1. Tedaro France II, New Haven
The Rockets leader has built a transcending program that is quickly becoming one of the state's best. It's clear that players develop under France. The Rockets moved up from the MAC Gold Division last year and have thoroughly dominated the MAC Blue. New Haven (13-1, 9-0) has a chance to win a state championship this season and that isn't by accident. It's because of France, who turned a consistent winner into a state powerhouse.
2. Shawn Sharrow, St. Clair
If not for last week, St. Clair would be a one-loss team with a chance to win its own division. The Saints dropped a pair of games last week but continue to be one of the top programs in the area. Sharrow always has the Saints ready to play and their competitiveness and energy is a direct result of his coaching. The Saints have earned respect this season and have yet to fall below No. 3 in the Times Herald Boys Basketball Poll.
3. Josh Presnell, Richmond
In only a couple of years, Presnell has his name into the conversation for best coach in the area. Richmond used to be a program that would play possession basketball, milk the clock and out-execute teams down the stretch for wins. Now Richmond is a run-and-gun, high-flying program that has seamlessly fit the talent of the players. Presnell has continued to build the program and his players have stepped forward and bought into his vision.
4. Ryan Biewer, Marysville
The Vikings are a great reflection of Biewer. They are tough, gritty and always seem to rise to the occasion. After serving as an assistant in the program for several years, Biewer has stepped forward into the limelight and become a steady influence for the Vikings. When the Vikings struggle, they look to their coach for his direction and behind his strategy, they normally find their way out of jams. Despite losing the rematch to Sterling Heights, they remain in contention for a league title.
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.
The Times Herald
What makes a season special? School tradition? The fans? The players?
On many occasions, it can come down to the ones calling the shots, especially in high school boys basketball. The Blue Water Area has been trending in the right direction for several years and this season it has taken another step toward competing with the best programs in the state.
New Haven has already clinched the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division. St. Clair got off to an 11-1 start and programs like Armada and Brown City have taken another step forward in their progress.
On Sunday we will focus on the best players, as the Times Herald Top 25 Boys Basketball Player List will be unveiled. But before we get to that, let's take a look at how local coaches would rank this season.
1. Tedaro France II, New Haven
The Rockets leader has built a transcending program that is quickly becoming one of the state's best. It's clear that players develop under France. The Rockets moved up from the MAC Gold Division last year and have thoroughly dominated the MAC Blue. New Haven (13-1, 9-0) has a chance to win a state championship this season and that isn't by accident. It's because of France, who turned a consistent winner into a state powerhouse.
2. Shawn Sharrow, St. Clair
If not for last week, St. Clair would be a one-loss team with a chance to win its own division. The Saints dropped a pair of games last week but continue to be one of the top programs in the area. Sharrow always has the Saints ready to play and their competitiveness and energy is a direct result of his coaching. The Saints have earned respect this season and have yet to fall below No. 3 in the Times Herald Boys Basketball Poll.
3. Josh Presnell, Richmond
In only a couple of years, Presnell has his name into the conversation for best coach in the area. Richmond used to be a program that would play possession basketball, milk the clock and out-execute teams down the stretch for wins. Now Richmond is a run-and-gun, high-flying program that has seamlessly fit the talent of the players. Presnell has continued to build the program and his players have stepped forward and bought into his vision.
4. Ryan Biewer, Marysville
The Vikings are a great reflection of Biewer. They are tough, gritty and always seem to rise to the occasion. After serving as an assistant in the program for several years, Biewer has stepped forward into the limelight and become a steady influence for the Vikings. When the Vikings struggle, they look to their coach for his direction and behind his strategy, they normally find their way out of jams. Despite losing the rematch to Sterling Heights, they remain in contention for a league title.
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.
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