News Summary

The McNary Girls Basketball program in Keizer is entering a new chapter under Isaiah Gentry, the newly appointed head coach. After a difficult season with a record of 7-18, Gentry plans to foster a supportive environment to help players grow and develop. His vision includes increasing participation and enhancing skill development through off-season camps. Gentry’s deep ties to the community and passion for the sport set a promising foundation for building a stronger and more competitive team.

Exciting New Chapter for McNary Girls Basketball

As the vibrant city of Keizer gears up for the upcoming sports season, there’s a buzz of excitement surrounding the McNary Girls Basketball program. After a tough season last year with a record of 7-18, the program is ready for a fresh start under the enthusiastic leadership of Isaiah Gentry, the newly appointed head coach for the 2024-2025 season.

Meet the New Coach

Isaiah Gentry, at just 27 years old, is not new to the McNary family. He has served as the varsity assistant coach for the last two years, gaining invaluable experience and insight into what it takes to build a successful team. Adding another layer of connection to the school, he has also taken on the role of McNary’s health and wellness teacher. Having roots in the local community, Gentry’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards a brighter future for the program.

A Vision for the Future

Gentry is determined to make basketball more accessible to young athletes in Keizer, emphasizing the importance of youth and high school programs in his vision. With a focus on reducing the high turnover rate that has plagued the McNary program in recent years, he aims to create a stable environment for players to thrive.

Drawing from his own extensive background in basketball, Gentry has been passionate about the sport since his childhood in Milwaukie. After graduating from Milwaukie High School in 2016, he played both college basketball at Clackamas Community College and Vanguard University in California. His journey didn’t stop there; he even played for a semi-professional team in Salem and took his talents to a professional team in Mexico. This diverse experience will certainly benefit the McNary team, as he brings a treasure trove of knowledge to the court.

Building Skills and Chemistry

Gentry’s coaching philosophy revolves around fostering an environment of encouragement and support among players. He understands the significance of constructive feedback and is focused on helping each player grow and develop their skills. Acknowledging that height may pose a challenge for the team, he is already contemplating necessary adjustments in play style to maximize the team’s potential.

His long-term goals for the McNary Girls Basketball program are ambitious but achievable. Gentry hopes to create a stronger, faster, and more aggressive team that capitalizes on rebound opportunities. Building team chemistry is at the forefront of his strategy, with a vision that players will become like family by the next season.

Grassroots Initiatives

Looking ahead, Gentry envisions increasing participation in the program. One of his aspirations is for an impressive 50 girls to try out for the team in just ten years. To achieve this goal, he plans to kickstart off-season youth camps, creating a space where young athletes can develop their skills while keeping the excitement alive year-round. Moreover, he wants to keep the gym open twice a week for local youth players, further nurturing the next generation of basketball talent.

Collaboration is also a key focus for Gentry. He intends to partner with other athletic programs at McNary to promote a multi-sport culture, providing a well-rounded experience for all student-athletes. With his wife, Amanda Chan, serving as the track and field coach, Gentry’s ties to the school run deep, and their combined efforts might just ignite a sporting renaissance at McNary.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Gentry at the helm, the McNary Girls Basketball program is poised for a transformative journey. As the new season approaches, players and fans can look forward to a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and community built around the love of the game. The upcoming season may just be the beginning of something special, one rebound at a time.

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