Boys' basketball coach of the year: Stephen Singleton of Eastvale Roosevelt
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 center, Tyson Chandler. Who knew that 25 years later, Singleton would show his coaching versatilty by winning a state title at the highest level with no true big man.
Singleton guided Eastvale Roosevelt (35-2) to the Southern Section Open Division championship, then the state Open Division championship in Sacramento.
Yes, talented Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-5 guard, acted like a center at times leaping for rebounds, but the secret to the Mustangs' success was rebounding by committee, playing aggressive defense and scoring on transition baskets. In the state final, Burries twice got rebounds and dribbled the length of the court for layups against San Francisco Archbishop Riordan.
For directing Roosevelt to a historic season and finding ways to beat the top teams in Southern California again and again, Singleton has been selected The Times' boys' basketball coach of the year.
"The high school game is different," Singleton said. "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, also won a Division I state title in 2017 at Roosevelt, but this one was the most satisfying while coming in the toughest division and against some of the best coaches in California.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Topics
-
Boys' basketball player of the year: Brayden Burries of Eastvale Roosevelt
Brayden Burries led Eastvale Roosevelt High to the Open Division state championship after winning the Southern Section title.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Brayden Burries delivers historic performance to lead Roosevelt to state championship
Brayden Burries scored a record 44 points to help Eastvale Roosevelt win the Open Division state championship over San Francisco Riordan.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16 -
Super 25 rankings update: Roosevelt leaps into top 2 with California state championship
Roosevelt, winner of California's Open Division state championship, moved into the top 2 of the Super 25 national boys basketball rankings.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Girls' basketball coach of the year: Aundre Cummings of Ontario Christian
First-year coach Aundre Cummings of Ontario Christian High guided his team to the Southern Section Open Division championship.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Reynoldsburg coach shifted from his NCAA Division I dream to an OHSAA dream season | Arace
Reynoldsburg High School is seeking its first OHSAA state boys basketball title Saturday night. Coach Andrew Moore is finding peace in the pursuit.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Alabama high school basketball: 2025 ASWA All-State teams with players and coach of the year
Alabama high school basketball: See the 2025 ASWA All-State boys and girls teams with players and coach of the year for all classes.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Coach, Team of the Year for 2024-25 South Jersey Boys Basketball
The Final Mean 15 plus Coach and Player of the Year for 2024-25 South Jersey boys basketballYahoo Sports - 2d -
Stephen Curry joins alma mater Davidson as assistant GM for basketball
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry will serve as an assistant general manager for Davidson College's basketball teamsABC News - Mar. 10 -
Illinois high school boys basketball all-state teams: Coaches pick top IHSA players
The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association announced its all-state teams for the 2024-25 IHSA boys basketball season.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
More from Yahoo Sports
-
PFF picks Jacksonville Jaguars' free agent signing with 'most upside'
Which Jacksonville Jaguars' free agent signing has the most upside? PFF weighs in with their selection.Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Former UFC champ Cain Velasquez sentenced for 2022 shooting incident
Two-time UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez pleads no contest to 10 felonies stemming from a high-speed chase with man accused of molesting relative.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Luka Doncic puts onus on himself and LeBron James to get Lakers going
After Monday's loss to the Magic, Luka Doncic said it's up to him and LeBron James to stop the Lakers' poor play.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Auburn football's top performers from 2025 Pro Day
Many draft-eligible Tigers worked out for NFL scouts on Monday. Who stood out the most?Yahoo Sports - 12m -
ESPN's Bill Connelly thinks Oklahoma Sooners could be poised to rise in 2025
ESPN's Bill Connelly believes the Sooners could be on the rise this year.Yahoo Sports - 12m
More in Sports
-
PFF picks Jacksonville Jaguars' free agent signing with 'most upside'
Which Jacksonville Jaguars' free agent signing has the most upside? PFF weighs in with their selection.Yahoo Sports - 9m -
NBA could be headed for 'worst tanking stretch we've ever seen'
Teams are getting really good at tanking. Can the league stop it? Here's what's next for the race to the bottom.ESPN - 10m -
Former UFC champ Cain Velasquez sentenced for 2022 shooting incident
Two-time UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez pleads no contest to 10 felonies stemming from a high-speed chase with man accused of molesting relative.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Luka Doncic puts onus on himself and LeBron James to get Lakers going
After Monday's loss to the Magic, Luka Doncic said it's up to him and LeBron James to stop the Lakers' poor play.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Auburn football's top performers from 2025 Pro Day
Many draft-eligible Tigers worked out for NFL scouts on Monday. Who stood out the most?Yahoo Sports - 12m