RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesA familiar face will be at the head of the Ashbrook High boys basketball team bench this fall.
Markeseo Williams was announced as the Green Wave’s boys hoops coach Tuesday, July 28. He takes over for Walt Wallace, who led Ashbrook to an 11-11 record last winter.
“We had a bunch of good, really good candidates,” said Ashbrook athletic director Jake Eccles. “But when (Williams) came in, he really impressed us the first time and came back through a second round of interviews. I asked our (basketball coaching search committee) who their top three candidates were, and he was No. 1 on everyone’s list.”
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This is Williams’ first opportunity to head a program of his own. He served last winter as the Green Wave’s junior varsity basketball coach, in addition to last fall being part of an Ashbrook football staff which led the program to 12 wins and a Big South 5A/6A championship. He also previously served on the Holbrook Middle basketball coaching staff, in addition to being a veteran coach on the summer AAU and other travel basketball circuits.
According to Williams, such familiarity will only help get the ball rolling.
“(Familiarity) helps a lot. One thing I’ve learned is players will play for those they know and respect,” Williams said. “I’ve seen talent from five years old up through high school, so I know it’s here. It’s up to me now to pull that talent out of them.”
Ashbrook basketball’s program history also isn’t lost on Williams, acknowledging the program’s 13 conference titles and two NCHSAA state runner-up finishes. Subtle reminders also adorn walls at Ashbrook’s Larry Rhodes Gymnasium, banners recognizing legends James Worthy, Darrell Armstrong and Roderick Howard visible throughout the facility. The new Green Wave coach isn’t shy about wanting to restore the program to such heights.
“Of course, we’re trying to get back to that old Ashbrook (basketball culture),” he said. “But you also don’t want to put too much pressure on yourself, because then you lose your head and lose focus. We want to stay level headed in our pursuit of becoming great.
Williams added: “A lot of people say Ashbrook is down. But we’re going to be some dogs (on the basketball court); we’re going to get after people.”
Above all, the new Ashbrook head man believes keeping community morale high is key toward ensuring the program can endure rather than succeed for short spells.
“I have to get back into the community, go back to these middle schools that feed our school and show my face, let them know who I am and what they can expect upon getting to Ashbrook,” he said.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: New Ashbrook basketball coach seeks to restore program's past glory
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