Boys Basketball loses a legend

Scott takes over girls program at Friendswood

By TED DUNNAM

Daron Scott is akin to the queen on the chessboard at Friendswood High School.

He moves around a lot, but wherever he lands, he’s very effective.

Scott’s next challenge will be running the girls’ varsity basketball program for FHS, replacing Ginger Hartman who has returned to Clear Springs High School following a two-year stint with the Lady Mustangs.

Scott has worn several coaching hats for Friendswood and is hoping his next assignment proves to be a good fit.

“I’ve been coaching for 10 years now and had various duties as an assistant coach, as a JV coach and as a freshman coach,” he said. “I think it’s time to see what I can do at 7 o’clock tipoffs. I’m excited about it.”

Not having been a girls’ head basketball coach before doesn’t faze Scott.

“I’ve never coached exclusively girls’ sports,” Scott said, “but I have coached Shannon Ellis and Cheryl Bueche in the high jump.

“I also have two daughters I’ve battled at home. I think there will be times when I can figure stuff out and see how it unfolds. But it’s going to have its challenges.”

Last year, Scott was one of the Friendswood Independent School District’s Teachers of the Year so he knows he can get his points across.

Now, it will be points on the scoreboard that will concern him.

“There’s a lot of rich history here just looking at the previous coaches and their success,” Scott said. “There are banners all over this gym. I think the ingredients, the components are really great for this program.

“There’s a lot that can be accomplished here. This team went three games deep in the playoffs last year. I think that maybe we can take that next step which is getting to the regional tournament. I think it’s something we want to shoot for and something that is attainable.”

Scott, a Friendswood High School graduate, will be the Lady Mustangs’ fourth girls’ head coach in the last six years, following in the footsteps of Dena Russo, Kirby Killingsworth and Hartman.

“This is my alma mater and my home,” Scott said. “My wife and I are entrenched in this area. We have a lot invested here, and I see myself staying here a while.

“When we found out this opportunity might present itself, it was intriguing. It was as much a family decision as anything. The more we talked about it, the more we liked it.

“I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, but I’m excited about the next step.”