by Coaching staff of the Year – 3 winners this year
Jordan Eaton of Olmsted Falls
People would often question how good was Phil Jackson. I mean, he had all those All-Stars, right? They said the same thing about Joe Torre with the Yankee’s. Anyone could do it right? WRONG!
It takes a special coach to get the most out of superior talent and still make sure everyone touches the ball and gets involved. It takes a special coach to make every player of a team feel special and a key part of the plan. Jordan Eaton is that coach.
He earned my respect a long time ago and then took it to the next level when he could have had his team sit and rest, and instead, put them up against an incredible Hoban team. Coaches who believe in their teams do that type of thing. He believes in them, and they play for him! The results are clear.
Cory Rojeck of Westlake
He moved his young family across the country during a pandemic. He came to a team that had just lost 3 senior starters, all of them excellent players. His top scorer from last years roster that was coming back, Emma Hall, was lost for the season before a game could be played. He dealt with numerous quarantines. Most of all, he made ZERO excuses, he just won!
He took a team and taught them to pass, play defense and pull-out close games. He gave them confidence and had the foresight to start a sophomore in Morgan Kress while Katie Whitesell was out early on. Watch out for Kress as I expect her to develop into one of the best players in the GLC next year.
Amy Esser of North Ridgeville
THAT TEAM! I said it early on, and I’ll say it again, this team is dangerous! Leia Smith was one of the best female basketball players in Ranger history, when she graduated and then Laney Rumancik got hurt, they could have folded. Instead, Esser has done the best coaching job of her life. The chips were down, she needed to be at her best, and she was!
She got the best out of a Freshman sensation in Grace Kingery. Daylan Baker and Maddy Rosado stepped up big time this season and look great in big moments. Payton Palcisko is a lockdown defender and Kat Crevda along with Brynnley Kerr just keep getting better. Taylor Traut, Emma Codner, Abby Viancourt, Brooke Lime all the Rangers coming back still have their best basketball days ahead as well. Esser gets the best out of everyone she comes into contact with.
Coaching folks, coaching…… Esser brings it! Just wait until Laney gets back….
Vince,
With my my niece playing on North Ridgeville Basketball and limited access to tickets, I always look forward to your coverage of the games.
Thank you for your time and efforts to make the 2020/21 season that much better.
J. Kingery
Beautiful way to honor your father, Don McKee! He is an amazing man, father and grandfather. This is a proud moment for you and him. Congratulations to you both.
We can not thank you enough for covering our girls’ talents and supporting them! Prayers to your dad and family!!
What a great way to honor your dad, Don. Who truly is a great man. I’m lucky to have the privilege to know him. I’m also privileged to know the award recipient Allison Milligan as I have had the opportunity to coach her in another sport she excels in – volleyball. Congratulations Allison.
Thanks Vince.
I just recently learned of KEEonSports and feel I have missed so much!! Your coverage is wonderful and your humor great! So glad I have 2 more grand daughters coming up to high school in the future. Although this season had it problems with COVID, you have kept things informative and interesting. Thank you!
This is wonderful. You do such a great job of showcasing the teams. Thank you!
Vince What great job featuring SWC Girls. I read most of the articles and you give the players a nice out let for their talent. Thanks for what you do for the SWC.
Fantastic job Vince! Thanks for all you do and congratulations to all the players!!