News Summary

John Barbee, a successful coach with a 136-51 record at Franklin Pierce High School, is now the boys basketball coach at Silas High School in Tacoma. Barbee aims to build on the Rams’ strong basketball tradition while creating a culture of teamwork and community support. With his diverse coaching experience, he is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive Tacoma basketball scene.

Exciting News for Tacoma Basketball: John Barbee Joins Silas High School!

The city of Tacoma is buzzing with enthusiasm as John Barbee embarks on a new journey as the boys basketball coach at Silas High School. After an impressive eight seasons at Franklin Pierce High School, where he built a remarkable track record, Barbee is ready to take his talents to a new arena. His tenure at Franklin Pierce was nothing short of legendary, boasting an impressive 136-51 record.

A Winning Legacy

During his time coaching the Franklin Pierce Cardinals, Barbee didn’t just focus on wins; he focused on building a strong team and community. Last winter, he showcased his skills by leading the team to the 2A SPSL title and a commendable quarterfinal appearance in the 2A state tournament. This achievement further solidified his reputation as a talented coach capable of steering teams toward greatness.

For any parent, coaching their children is a unique experience, and Barbee thrived in this environment, having coached all three of his sons—Jalen, John, and Javon—throughout their basketball journeys. With his youngest son, Javon Barbee, set to graduate this spring and being recognized as a TNT All-Area player in 2025, this transition feels more harmonious for the Barbee family.

A Right Move at the Right Time

Barbee emphasizes that although he cherished his time at Franklin Pierce, he believes it is the right moment for a change. It wasn’t an easy decision as he appreciated the supportive environment there, but the opportunity at Silas just felt like a natural fit for him. He is stepping into the role previously held by Eric Overgaard, who has decided to step down following the 2024-25 season.

Interestingly, during his eight years at Franklin Pierce, Barbee noticed around 10 to 12 job openings within Tacoma’s basketball scene. Despite the options, his heart led him to only apply for the position at Silas. That speaks volumes about his commitment to this new chapter!

Coaching Experience that Matters

Barbee’s coaching résumé isn’t limited to Franklin Pierce. He has a wide-ranging experience having coached at The Evergreen State College, Foster High School, Kennedy Catholic (in girls basketball), and River Ridge. This diverse background equips him with a well-rounded perspective that he’s surely going to leverage at Silas High School.

While there was thought of stepping back from coaching, especially with his youngest son nearing graduation, Barbee has decided against that. His passion for the game and mentoring young athletes outweighs his hesitations.

The Challenge Ahead

As Barbee transitions into his new role, he’ll face the challenge of stepping into a competitive league in Tacoma. Schools like Lincoln and Bellarmine are upping their basketball game, and it’s going to be thrilling to watch how he navigates this competitive landscape.

Barbee joins a school with a rich basketball tradition, and he acknowledges the past achievements of the Silas Rams. Under former coach Mike Cocke, the Rams had a fantastic run, finishing fourth in the 2020 state tournament. Barbee aims to build on this legacy and is excited to pump new life into the program.

Cultivating Community and Culture

Central to Barbee’s vision for Silas is the importance of creating a solid culture and fostering community support for the basketball team. He understands that it’s not just about winning games; it’s about building a team that embodies teamwork, dedication, and pride in representing their school.

With his remarkable coaching background and enthusiastic outlook, Barbee is ready to shape the future of Silas High School basketball and make a lasting impact on the players and community. Tacoma, get ready for an exciting basketball season ahead!

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