Coaches Corner-Coach Simms, Cane Ridge High School
Prep Hoops:
The Coaches Corner-Part 4
Fall preview of High School Programs
By Tony Thompson
We talk so much about the players and what they have accomplished. We talk so much about the summer circuit and what it means. We talk so much about the Nike, Adidas and UA events and showcases, but what happens once that’s all over? The kids return to their respective high schools ready to show the fans how much they have developed and improved over the summer. On the other hand, who talks about their high school coaches and staffs that prepare these young men, day in and day out, getting them ready to play basketball at the college level? In my latest series, I will focus on several high school coaches, staff, and their programs to give you a preview of the winter basketball 2017-18 season to come.
Coach Marlin Simms
Cane Ridge High School
Nashville, TN
Entering 5th season overall record: 86-25
Region VI Coach of the Year (2003 – 2004)
2 X Metro Nashville AAA Coach of the Year (2012 – 2013; 2013 – 2014)
3 X District 12-AAA Coach of the Year (2013 – 2014; 2014 – 2015; 2015 – 2016)
As we head out to Antioch, TN and Cane Ridge High School, the “Ridge” as they call it, what a great job Coach Marlin Simms has done since arriving on the scene 5 seasons ago. Entering his 5th season 86-25 as Head Coach of the Ravens, Coach Simms has built a very impressive resume to boast about. Actually, it’s just the opposite. As PrepHoops national analysis, Tony Thompson spoke with Coach Simms; he’s got a better understanding why his kids love him and jump through hoops to play for him. When asked about his coaching philosophy and how it relates to the kids and education, Coach Simms will tell you, “I want great kids, well rounded kids, kids that want to learn and make a difference in life.” It starts from the locker room and is passed down from senior leadership. Coach Simms places great emphasis on creating a brotherly environment amongst his players, whereas all the upperclassmen must look after the younger guys, from the classroom to the locker room, to the floor.
With a few kids moving on to private and prep schools, Coach Simms seems to run into similar problems as his coaching colleagues around the district, and that is, having to utilize multi-sport players and developing great underclassmen, who can step up early in their careers to help make a difference. Like him or love him, he’s the new school version of the Indiana University Coach, Bobby Knight. He’s tough, he’s focused, he’s consistent, he graduates his kids, and a disciplinarian. If the kids tough it out, he’s going to make you work hard, make you better, and if you can stay focused, many of his kids go on to college to play basketball, graduate with their diplomas and have productive careers.
The one thing that coach Simms talked deeply about was the fact that, not only does he have great kids who want to be there; he has a tremendous parent and PTO support base as well. Coach Simms credits his success to his coaching staff. He has great experience and knowledge on his bench; Coach Linn Burgess (freshmen coach) and Coach Marcus Kinzer II (JV coach) help to bring defensive toughness and knowledge to the team. In addition, he has a grad assistant who’s a returning player, Cameron Jordan, Ex-Tennessee State University basketball player, join the staff for the 2017-18 season. Coach Simms has also paved the way for players like Kyree Elder 16’ (Univ. of Ark at Fort Smith) and De’Monte Evans 15’ (Walters State) to name a few.
The “Ridge” will have to step things up this season to compete in a tough AAA district, especially with the loss of Damion Baugh, who moved onto a prep school in Atlanta, Ga. Coach Simms, states, “It will be tough, but this is why guys have to be ready and the reason why I push them as hard as I can in practice, so when their names are called to step up, they are 100% ready.” He will have to rely heavily on John Howard, Jr., (SG) in the Class of 2018, to lead this group with his ability to push the ball, shoot well from the arc, and play ball hawk defense. In addition to Howard, David Smith, Jr., (PG) who is in the class of 2018, must play consistent for 32 minutes, put ball pressure on opposing guards and stay in attack mode at all times, and Chance Hillsman, who is in the class of 2018, is a slashing guard who loves to penetrate and kick. Unfortunately, this season, he will be called upon to score the ball more. If they are going to win the AAA district title, guys like James Reese, Jr., Te’on Stewart, and Juandale Chapman, on the “Ridge” along with the bench will have to step it up and compete on a nightly basis.
Looking at the district, the “Ridge” will be tested by Hillsboro High School, Brentwood High School, and their number one district rival Antioch High School for that top spot. It want be easy, but Coach Simms and the Ravens are up for the challenge. Mark your calendars and follow the “Ridge” as the try to make it to Murfreesboro and the State Championship in 2018. In what little down time that coach Simms get he enjoys hanging out with his family. PrepHoop Sports would like to wish Coach Marlin Simms and the Cane Ridge Ravens a great season.