News Summary

Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge welcomes Steven Jackson as its new head coach for the boys’ basketball team. A former player at the school, Jackson brings a wealth of experience from previous coaching roles, aiming to revive the team’s competitive spirit. With a new gym floor being installed and a focus on instilling toughness and discipline, Jackson hopes to lead the team into a promising future as he builds strong connections with players and the community.

Istrouma Welcomes Back One of Its Own as Head Coach

In the bustling city of Baton Rouge, the beloved Istrouma High School basketball program is getting a new chapter as Steven Jackson returns to his roots as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team. This exciting hiring comes as a wave of enthusiasm for the school that Jackson himself played for back in the day, graduating in 2010.

A Journey from Player to Coach

Jackson has had quite a journey since his days strapping on a jersey at Istrouma. Before taking the reins at his alma mater, he spent last season coaching the East Feliciana High School team, wrapping up the season with a record of 8-20. Not really the kind of record that shouts, “We’re number one!” but it certainly provided him with valuable experience.

Before his time at East Feliciana, Jackson spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Tara High School, along with a significant two-year stint as an assistant at Istrouma itself under coach Marvin Dotson. His diverse coaching background has equipped him with tools to successfully guide young players. Now, he’s ready to step up as the head coach.

Building on Tradition

Jackson takes over from Don Green, who led Istrouma for the past two seasons. It’s a big pair of shoes to fill, but those that know Jackson believe he embodies what the Istrouma community needs to revitalize their beloved sports program.

For Jackson, this isn’t just about coaching; it’s like a dream come true. He openly shares his vision for the team, wanting to bring back the toughness and discipline reminiscent of the coaching styles he admired, especially from former coach Carlos Sample.

Exciting Changes Ahead

In conjunction with his hiring, there’s also an exciting upgrade happening at Istrouma: a brand-new gym floor is being installed. This comes at a perfect time, as Jackson is filled with reenergized excitement about what’s to come. A fresh floor means a fresh start—something the players and the community can rally around.

Despite these exciting times, Jackson is very much aware of the challenges lying ahead, especially when it comes to sharing players between sports. This is particularly important for a small school like East Feliciana, where managing talent can be quite the balancing act. Yet, he seems eager to tackle these challenges head-on, ready to dive into the hustle and bustle of high school sports life.

Time for Team Talks

Since officially taking on the head coach role, Jackson hasn’t been sitting idle. He’s already reached out to several team members via phone, aiming to build strong connections even before the team practices kick off. A team meeting is on the horizon, and he’s looking forward to bringing all the boys together to set the tone for the season.

Reviving the Competitive Spirit

Ultimately, Jackson’s mission is clear: he aims to restore a competitive identity and the grit that has seemingly been absent from the team in recent years. He has a strong belief in the potential of his players, and with the combination of his experience and heartfelt passion for Istrouma, fans are ready to see what this new era will bring!

As they look ahead to the season, there’s an infectious buzz in the air, with students, parents, and faculty all cheerfully rallying around their new head coach. We can’t wait to see how Jackson leads Istrouma High School boys’ basketball into a promising future!

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