It was in 2000 when 26-year-old Stephen Singleton, serving as an interim coach, guided Compton Dominguez to a state championship behind a 7-foot middle, Tyson Chandler. Who knew that 25 years later, Singleton would present his teaching versatilty by profitable a state title on the highest stage with no true massive man.
Singleton guided Eastvale Roosevelt (35-2) to the Southern Part Open Division championship, then the state Open Division championship in Sacramento.
Sure, gifted Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-5 guard, acted like a middle at occasions leaping for rebounds, however the secret to the Mustangs’ success was rebounding by committee, taking part in aggressive protection and scoring on transition baskets. Within the state closing, Burries twice received rebounds and dribbled the size of the courtroom for layups in opposition to San Francisco Archbishop Riordan.
For guiding Roosevelt to a historic season and discovering methods to beat the highest groups in Southern California repeatedly, Singleton has been chosen The Instances’ boys’ basketball coach of the 12 months.
“The high school game is different,” Singleton mentioned. “Not all teams have true back-to-the-basket bigs. Most high school bigs want to play outside and that’s to our advantage and liking.
“So we looked at our strengths. Toughness and resilience on defense. Speed to push the ball up the court and play fast. Defense pick up full court and make other teams’ guards have to try and beat us. If they can’t get the ball to their big men because they are turning it over, it’s to our advantage.”
Singleton, 51, additionally received a Division I state title in 2017 at Roosevelt, however this one was essentially the most satisfying whereas coming within the hardest division and in opposition to among the finest coaches in California.
