The Boss and I had the privilege of having a conversation with Warren Central Basketball Coaches Stacy Mitchell and Criss Beyers. Both men guided their respective Girls and Boys teams to State Basketball titles in the 4-A division. A history making achievement.
Coach Mitchell is the first African-American coach to guide a girls team to a state championship in Indiana. Coach Mitchell was born and raised in Boliner, Tenn., about an hour away from Memphis. He attended University of Tennessee-Martin. His career includes stints at Brebuef, John Marshall, and Manuel before coming to Warren 10 years ago. He also teaches Special Ed Algebra. He exudes both enthusiasm and confidence. It isn’t hard to see now he inspires success. He admits the 2017-18 was the most fun his had as a coach.
“ I never worked with a greater group of girls. They have great attitudes and are very coach-able. Good in the classroom as well. 3.2 GPA” Coach Mitchell explained.
Coach Mitchell pointed out that all the teams Warren met in the championship run were ranked ahead of Warren. But his team jelled at the right time and the girls knew they could win. Seniors Maray “Scottie” Bell, Trinity Rainey, and Shania Caldwell provided veteran leadership. Ms. Caldwell missed time with a broken leg. The team’s hash tag was “Team Together” and that team spirit served them well.
Congratulations to the Boy’s Head Coach Criss Beyers, for being selected @amfam All-USA Indiana Boys Basketball Coach of the Year!
Coach Criss Beyers said “While I knew that we might be beaten, I didn’t think that there was a team on our schedule that we could not beat. I believed we could go all the way – it was luck and being blessed.”
The Warrior’s team motto was “Can’t Fold, Won’t Fold” and it served them well, bringing the team the first undefeated season in Warren’s history. This coming as the Warriors played what was ranked as the fourth toughest schedule in the state.
Coach Beyers is from Bloomington. He attended Bloomington North High School and then IU. He spent 30 years coaching at Bloomington South and Martinsville before coming to Warren in 2016. Coach Beyers counts Bill Springer and JR Holmes as among those he admires, along with Bobby Knight of course. Coach Beyers also teaches Health at Warren.
“Teamwork was essential in the team’s achievements. Everybody stepped up and our scoring was evenly divided. All of our top six players led a game in scoring at one time or another and averaged eight to twelve points a game. Our top scorer averaged 11.9 points a game. Seniors Antwaan Cushingberry, Dean Tate, Jaylen Moore, Joe Rush, and Jay Hines provided veteran leadership and will be missed.” Still Coach Beyers believes he has the nucleus for a great team next year.
Coach Beyers thanks the Warren and east side community for their support and especially Principal Rich Shepler and the Athletic Office staff for their guidance and support.
The Weekly View salutes the Warren Central Basketball program. They have brought great honor to the east side and we thank them.
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