[Stardust]

Former Kentucky basketball player Preston LeMaster has been named the new basketball coach at East Ridge High School today.

I spoke to Preston today about the new job, and you could definitely hear the excitement in his voice.

"Something I have wanted to do my whole life is to coach basketball and have my own program," said LeMaster. " I did the interview last week and they contacted me last Friday and we finalized it today."

Preston was an assistant coach last season at Powell County High School and I asked him how that has helped him prepare to be a first time head coach.

"I learned how to manage and be organized and how to deal with fundraising, Preston said. "A lot of things that most people don't know that go in to coaching."

The Warriors play in the 59th district with recent state champion Shelby Valley and Pikeville, another traditional powerhouse, and I asked Preston how tough it would be being a 1st year head coach in such a tough district.

"Being in a district with Shelby valley and Pikeville is big time," said LeMaster. "We will have to be ready to play."

Being a former Kentucky player, one would think the high school players may be in awe of their head coach, but Preston didn't seemed to worried about it.

"I haven't gotten to meet many of players but Ive heard that basketball is big in the mountains, but I don't know if they are old enough to remember me or not."

I look forward to Preston's first season, and I am sure he will be a great asset for East Ridge High School and their community.
http://www.nationofblue.com/preston-lema...e-hs-8811/