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August 6, 2012

Roughers reach out to past for boys hoops coach

By Mike Kays Phoenix Sports Editor

— Josh Berry’s returning to his roots.

A Muskogee High student up to his freshman year, the Tulsa Washington graduate returns this week after being hired Monday to lead the boys basketball program.

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity,” the 28-year-old said as he crosses genders in the coaching ranks – again. He started his career at Independence (Kan.) Community College on the boys side as an assistant coach then to get closer to home, he took the girls job at Tulsa Rogers for two seasons, leading them in 2011 to their first state tournament appearance since 1996.

Revamping of zones and schools in the Tulsa Public Schools system left Rogers a freshman and sophomore school last year and he went 8-12.

“Four of those girls had never played and another was among the state leaders in scoring,” he said. “I never knew I’d coach girls but it was a challenge I enjoyed.”

He played four seasons at Tulsa Washington, making the varsity team his senior season (2002) when the Hornets went undefeated en route to a state title.

“I watched and played against Muskogee and that program deserves success,” he said. “I want to help with that. Not only that I see myself being there for a long time. I’m thrilled to be back at a place that was once home. I have a heart for it.”

Berry started college at Sterling (Kan.) and graduated after one year at Kansas Wesleyan. He’s the Roughers’ third coach in three seasons, replacing Lloyd Williams, who resigned a month after his wife Amy moved from the head women’s basketball job at Rogers State to the University of South Dakota. Williams replaced Terry Scott, who coached here three seasons with two state appearances.

Also, Sequoyah High School announced that athletic director and girls slowpitch softball coach Larry Grigg will assume the duties of girls basketball coach, replacing Bill Nobles who resigned in May to take a similar position at Porter High School.

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