Why Huntington basketball’s Mack Jones was named LSWA Class 4A Coach of the Year

Huntington boys basketball coach Mack Jones is an emotional guy. He’s had minor confrontations with folks in a basketball arena, because that’s the kind of coach Jones is — he wears his feelings on his sleeves. But those emotions moved the veteran coach to tears recently when he was forced to coach a game and hold a team of hurting players together the night after one of their teammates died.

Devin Myers, a 17-year-old starter, was shot and killed in broad daylight on a Shreveport street March 3. Coaches, administrators, teachers, counselors, parents and students jumped in consoling teenagers most affected by Myers’ death.

Although he was suffering himself, Jones was key in providing support not only to his players, but the Huntington student body. The next day the Raiders won a state quarterfinal game in Huntington. Because of Jones’ ability to keep his team focused on the task at hand, Jones was announced Thursday as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A Coach of the Year. It was the first such award for Jones in his 33-year career. 

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Jones led the Raiders to a 22-6 record to the District 1-4A title (7-1) with the only district loss a one-pointer at rival Woodlawn. The  state semifinals was the school’s first since making back-to-back trips in 2008 and 2009. He was joined on the team by senior Rayshun McCullar, a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 22.2 points and 6.1 assists per game.

Following the quarterfinal victory, Jones had a difficult time leaving the court to meet with the media. As friends sought him for a hug,  tears streamed down his face. All around the court were reminders that Myers’ jersey number was 30 and the team took up the mantra “Forever for 30.”

But Jones composed himself and answered questions.

“I didn’t do it alone. We had so many people come out from the school board, counselors, other coaches from other schools who play a big part in these kids’ lives,” Jones said. “It took a village to get these guys to this point right here.”

The Raiders were eliminated by eventual state champion Carver in the semifinals, but that didn’t diminish what the Raiders were able to accomplish. It’s unusual for a basketball coach to earn the LSWA’s top honor when a team doesn’t at least advance to the title game. There are sometimes extenuating circumstances that warrant such a vote, however, and how Jones handled a difficult situation  was one of those.

Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.