Due to a lack of coaches in the 7th-8th grade basketball team at Clinton Park and Rec, two Morgan students on the basketball team, Nathan Miller and Hunter Mancini, stepped in to coach the young players through winter.
Nathan explains, “The lack of available coaches in the 7th-8th grade level was likely caused by previous coaches leaving to coach their son or daughter in older leagues or leaving to go to college.” Last year, several Morgan students participated as coaches, including seniors Jack Nye, Kolby Clifton, Patrick O’Neil, Ryan Donadio, and juniors (at the time) Hunter Mancini, and Cole Donnelly. Last year was one of the first years that students were the head coaches of student Park and Rec teams.
Both Nathan Miller and Hunter Mancini played for Morgan during the 23-24 season and currently made the team to continue playing in the 24-25 season. Sophomore Nathan Miller emphasized his love for basketball and support for his younger brother, Dylan, on the team. Nathan explained, “I decided to step up, and I was excited to be with my brother throughout his season. With the help of Hunter, I think we will have a great season.”
Contrasting from Nathan, Hunter already was a coach during his junior year at Morgan. Senior Hunter Mancini mentions, “I did it in junior year with my friends, it seemed like a fun and helpful thing to do.” Hunter decided to come back and lend a hand to the young players. Hunter said, “I see a lot of potential in them, and I know these kids will play at Morgan. Besides that, the only thing I care about is if they have fun.”
The team had their first game of the season on Saturday, December 14, at 8 am. The game took place in the Morgan gym. Nathan added, “They are a group of hardworking guys and definitely trying to win the Park and Rec championship.” Unfortunately, the team did not win, and the game ended with a 24-37 score.
The young coaches have enjoyed their time with the kids so far. Hunter likes “seeing the kids progress with their talent and seeing them have fun with their friends.” The coaches strive to make the team work hard, be smart, and of course, win.
