News Summary

Boonville High School is undergoing significant coaching shifts in its basketball and football programs just as the seasons approach. Jeremy Willis has stepped down as the boys basketball coach, citing the strain of balancing business and family commitments. Meanwhile, football coach Darin Ward has concluded his ten-year tenure, and Morgan Eye Scott from girls’ basketball has also resigned. The community is keenly watching these changes as Mark Anderson is set to lead the basketball program, generating excitement for the upcoming seasons.

Boonville Faces Coaching Shake-Up in Basketball and Football as Seasons Loom

Big changes are underway at Boonville High School as the basketball and football programs prepare for the upcoming seasons. Just weeks before the boys basketball season kicks off, Jeremy Willis has stepped down as head coach, expressing that managing his business, family commitments, and coaching was spreading him too thin. As a respected figure in the Southwest Indiana basketball scene, Willis leaves a notable impact, having tallied a record of 28 wins and 43 losses over three seasons.

A New Chapter for Basketball

The first official practice for the 2025-26 boys basketball season is slated for November 10. Willis’s decision to step away has stirred conversations among the team and supporters alike, especially with standout players like Jaxon McKain and Cash Willis, who are anticipated to return, ensuring the team’s talent remains intact.

Willis has an impressive background; he was the all-time leading scorer in Evansville City with 1,899 career points upon his graduation in 1999. His journey with Boonville began as an assistant coach before he took the reins as head coach. His first season saw the Pioneers finish at 12 wins and 12 losses, while the last season ended with a 10-13 record. Despite finding himself juggling numerous responsibilities, Willis believes in the team’s potential to thrive moving forward.

Sad Goodbyes from Coaches

Alongside Willis, Darin Ward has also stepped down after a commendable ten-year run as the football coach. Finishing his tenure with a record of 59 wins and 46 losses, Ward expressed gratitude for the support he received from both the school and the community. The past season wasn’t without its challenges, with the Pioneers ending at 6-6 and losing in the Class 4A sectional championship.

Ward has enjoyed a rich coaching career spanning nearly two decades, including stints at Corydon Central and Charlestown, where he amassed an overall record of 129-76. While he will remain at Boonville as a teacher, he plans to take a break from coaching for now, focusing on his responsibilities in the classroom.

More Changes Coming into Play

In addition to basketball and football, there’s news from the girls’ basketball front. Morgan Eye Scott, who served as the coach for five years at Hickman, has also announced her resignation. With a successful record of 79 wins and 52 losses, Scott led her team to winning records in four of those five seasons. She leaves behind a legacy of gratitude, acknowledging the players and the school for their support.

Future of Boonville’s Basketball Program

Amidst all these coaching changes, there’s a bit of excitement in the air as Mark Anderson, former coach of Jefferson City High School, will be stepping into the role of head coach for the Boonville basketball program. This transition brings a renewed sense of hope and anticipation as the community looks forward to what is next for their athletes.

What’s Ahead?

With the basketball practice on the horizon and the football off-season ahead, Boonville students, parents, and supporters are gearing up for a season that undoubtedly promises change. Both Willis and Ward are making crucial decisions to focus on their families and businesses, but their legacies and hard work have set a strong foundation for the programs they are leaving behind.

As the curtain rises on a new coaching era, Boonville’s sports enthusiasts will have their fingers crossed for success in these pivotal transitions. The excitement is palpable, and the community can’t wait to see how these programs evolve in the coming seasons.

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