The Chester High School boys basketball program has been notorious for what has been called a revolving door at the head coaching position.
Since 2000, the Yellow Jackets have had nine different coaches, five since 2007.
It finally looks like Chester has found the answer to the revolving door—new head coach Brad Norman.
Norman took over a program with little experience and has his team on track to have the first winning season since the 1997-1998 season.
Chester has flown under the radar most of the year due to being bumped up to 2A this season and a lopsided loss to Trico in December. But, Norman has his team, made up of mostly juniors, playing at a high level right now. They took second in their own Chester Invitational, a tournament the team hasn’t won in over 36 years.
Norman is a type of coach that will get out and play against his team during the off season and has no controversy surrounding him. He works hard and his players work hard for him. He is a type of coach that players love playing for.
Chester still has many tough games to play this year and don’t be surprised if they pull out some upsets down the stretch as they prepare for postseason play.
If Norman can get this young team on the same page this quickly just imagine what he can do in a few years, especially next years with a bunch of talented and experienced players back.
Chester has been known as a football town for quite some time now, maybe the tide is turning a little as the basketball Jackets look for continued success this year.
Photo by Jim Beers
