News Summary

Cooper High School welcomes Justin Holthaus as the new head coach of the boys basketball team following the departure of Tim Sullivan. Holthaus, previously the head coach of the girls team, boasts an outstanding record and numerous accolades including multiple championships. As he takes over, he aims to uphold and build upon the strong legacy at Cooper, despite the challenges posed by roster changes. The community is eager to see how he will lead the team into the new season.

Justin Holthaus Takes the Helm as Head Coach of Cooper High School Boys Basketball Team

The lively community of Cooper is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes Justin Holthaus as the new head coach of the boys basketball team at Cooper High School. This appointment comes after the previous coach, Tim Sullivan, decided to venture off to St. Henry District High School, leaving behind a solid legacy after 15 years at Cooper. Sullivan, known for his exceptional leadership, had over 300 career wins but now hands over the reins to Holthaus, who has been making waves in the basketball scene.

A Proven Track Record

Before stepping into his new role, Holthaus was a well-respected figure as the head coach of the girls basketball team at Cooper. Over five impressive seasons, he guided the Lady Jaguars to an impressive overall record of 128-30. His tenure was marked by incredible achievements, including four consecutive 9th Region championships and twice reaching the semifinals of the state tournament. Holthaus isn’t just a coach; he is considered the all-time winningest coach in the history of the Cooper girls basketball program, showcasing remarkable consistency and excellence.

From Assistant to Head Coach

Holthaus’s journey began as an assistant coach on Sullivan’s staff, where he played a pivotal role in developing the program from the start in 2008. His contributions helped shape the boys’ team into a competitive force, and now, with his promotion, Holthaus promises to bring the same level of success and dedication to the boys’ program.

Under Holthaus’s Leadership

What stands out about Holthaus is his knack for building highly successful teams. Under his coaching, the Lady Jaguars also clinched four consecutive 33rd District championships, achieved four Sweet 16 appearances, and made it to two Final Fours with an Elite Eight finish. His stellar coaching has earned him several accolades, including the coveted title of KABC 9th Region Coach of the Year in 2021 and multiple Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame honors as Kentucky Coach of the Year. The 2024-2025 season alone saw his girls team capturing the 9th Region title, the 33rd District title, and even a win at the Queen of the Commonwealth Tournament.

Looking Ahead

As Holthaus transitions to coaching the boys’ team, he is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The boys had a commendable 24-6 record in the last season, boasting both the 33rd District and 9th Region titles. However, they will be facing significant changes with the departure of four starters and five seniors from the roster. There is, however, a glimmer of hope with potential returning players like Roman Combs, who had an impressive sophomore season, averaging 10 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Building on Tradition

Holthaus’s vision for the boys basketball program is to not only continue the proud tradition established by his predecessor but also to further the growth of student-athletes on and off the court. His experience, passion for the game, and commitment to education make him an ideal fit for the position, and the school community is eager to see how he will lead the team into a new season of challenges and opportunities.

A New Chapter at Cooper

As the Cooper basketball family cheers on their new head coach, there’s a collective sense of excitement mingled with anticipation. With Holthaus at the helm, the community can expect a new chapter filled with hard work, dedication, and hopefully, more championships to add to their proud legacy. Here’s to a promising future for both Holthaus and the Cooper High School boys basketball team!

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