News Summary

Collinsville High School welcomes Cody Best as the new assistant varsity and sophomore basketball coach, joining head coach Hank Mathews. Best, with a strong record at Marquette, is set to bring new energy and develop young talent, aligning with Mathews’ extensive coaching experience. The duo aims to elevate the Kahoks basketball program and foster success both on and off the court, exciting fans for the upcoming season.

Exciting Coaching Changes at Collinsville High School

Collinsville, a vibrant city known for its strong sense of community and love for sports, is buzzing with excitement following the recent hiring of Cody Best as the assistant varsity coach and sophomore coach for the Kahoks basketball program. His appointment brings a fresh perspective and creative energy to the team, and local fans are eager to see how he will turn things around.

A Coach with Proven Success

Cody Best’s journey is marked by impressive achievements in the world of high school basketball. At Marquette, he compiled a noteworthy 63-39 record, leading the Explorers to secure two titles from the Illinois High School Association Regionals. While their most recent season ended with a 16-17 record, it’s important to note that this was not the case in previous years when they revelled in success, boasting a stellar 26-9 record in 2023 and a solid 21-13 record in 2022. His time at Marquette demonstrates his capacity for developing young talent and fostering a winning mindset.

Collinsville Basketball’s New Leadership

Best’s hiring aligns beautifully with the recent appointment of Hank Mathews as the head coach of the boys basketball team. Mathews has a rich coaching history, most notably as an assistant coach at Columbia College in Missouri and a successful stint at Lincoln College in Illinois, where he guided his team to its first-ever Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship in the 2021-22 season. Mathews steps into Collinsville’s storied coaching legacy, succeeding the highly respected Darin Lee, who retired after last season with an impressive 295 career wins, ranking him third all-time in Collinsville High School basketball history.

Cody Best on His New Role

The excitement surrounding Best’s new role is palpable, as he’s ready to take on the challenge of leading the sophomore team while assisting Mathews. Both coaches, being of similar age, are likely to relate well to one another, forging a strong partnership. They’ll work closely to tap into the rich basketball tradition that Collinsville has to offer and aim to propel the players to success on the court.

Experience and Accomplishments

Cody Best is not new to the coaching scene. Prior to joining Collinsville, he served as the head coach at Marquette and has also made waves as an underclassman coach at Highland High School. He even stepped up as interim varsity boys basketball coach last season for 13 games, showcasing his ability to navigate challenges. His coaching career began with success at Mt. Olive High School, where he led them to their first winning season in 14 years – a pivotal moment in the program’s history. His expertise has also extended beyond high school basketball; he is a co-founder and coach of the Southern Illinois Raptors AAU club, helping young athletes refine their skills.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Collinsville High School gears up for the upcoming basketball season, the marriage of experience and enthusiasm between Best and Mathews promises exciting times ahead. With a passionate community rallying behind them, they’re expected to foster not just a competitive spirit but also a nurturing environment where players can flourish both on and off the court.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter for Kahoks basketball as the season approaches, hoping to witness the birth of a new legacy under Best and Mathews’ leadership. The future looks bright, and Collinsville is ready to cheer on their team to new heights!

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