News Summary

Jordan Barnes is back on the court, taking over as the boys basketball coach at Stadium High School. After battling a chronic pain condition, Barnes is ready to inspire young athletes and implement a fast-paced play style. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to instill an underdog mentality in his new team, transitioning to a new league and preparing for exciting challenges ahead. The Tacoma basketball community eagerly anticipates a thrilling season under his leadership, making it a noteworthy event for local sports enthusiasts.

Tacoma Welcomes Back Jordan Barnes as Stadium High School’s Boys Basketball Coach

Exciting news for basketball fans in Tacoma! Jordan Barnes is making a much-anticipated return to coaching, taking the helm as the new boys basketball coach at Stadium High School. After a challenging battle with a chronic pain condition, Barnes is stepping back into the game he loves, eager to inspire young athletes on the court.

Overcoming Adversity

Just a short while ago, Barnes faced a tough situation when he was diagnosed with Trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that caused debilitating headaches, resembling the sensation of having “a brain freeze all day long.” It was a tough experience, forcing him to step away from coaching at Lakes High School. However, thanks to some effective medications, he is now symptom-free and ready to embrace this new chapter in his coaching career.

With over 20 years of high school basketball coaching under his belt, Barnes brings a wealth of experience to the table. Last season, he even volunteered at Rogers High School alongside his friend Connie Richardson, keeping his coaching spirit alive while stepping back professionally.

A New Opportunity at Stadium High School

As Dillon Batten moves on to coach at Mount Tahoma, Barnes eagerly steps into the role at Stadium High School. The encouragement from Batten pushed him to apply, and now he’s thrilled to make a significant impact in this new environment. Previously, Barnes found success as head coach at Yelm and has extensive experience coaching at other local high schools such as Todd Beamer and Kentwood.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

Barnes is excited about the fresh talent he’ll be working with at Stadium. He anticipates fielding a scrappy, energetic team that will play an exciting, fast-paced game. The underdog mentality is something he aims to instill in his players, motivating them to give their all while facing off against some tough competitors in the 4A North Puget Sound League.

Speaking of the league, it’s a bit of a strange fit for Stadium High School at this stage. Traditionally, the school has competed against other Tacoma public schools, but recent enrollment changes have led to its reclassification to Class 4A during the WIAA’s latest reclassification cycle. It’s a big transition, but Barnes feels prepared for the challenge.

Strategic Playstyle in Place

Fans can expect to see a full-court defense strategy and a five-out offensive style from Barnes’ squad. He recognizes that teams like Auburn, Kentwood, and Tahoma will be their top competitors in the league. Barnes has previously coached alongside Kentwood coach Blake Solomon and knows a number of coaches in the league, which will only enhance his strategy for success.

Looking ahead, Barnes is optimistic about Stadium High School’s potential. His goal is to elevate the team’s performance and have them join the top tier of competitors in the league sooner rather than later. With his energy and passion for the game, it’s clear that the boys of Stadium High School are in excellent hands.

A Positive Outlook for the Future

As the basketball season approaches, Tacoma’s basketball community can look forward to an invigorating season with Barnes back at the helm. His comeback story, combined with his vision for the team, promises an exciting future for the young athletes at Stadium. With determination and teamwork, they aim to carve a name for themselves in the league while embracing the challenges ahead.

Stay tuned, Tacoma! The basketball action is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be a season filled with intensity and passion!

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