Pearl Cohn High School Preview
Prep Hoops:
The Coaches Corner-Part 4
Fall preview of High School Programs
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 Raymond Pratcher
Pearl Cohn 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)
When you talk about basketball in Nashville, you have to speak about one of the most historically replicable programs in the city. We are talking about none other than Pearl Cohn high school, Located in Nashville, TN, where the history runs long and deep. Pearl Cohn has seen its share of history from the 60’s up until today’s time. Prephoops national analyst, Tony Thompson, spoke to the new young gun, Coach Raymond Pratcher, Head boys varsity basketball coach. Entering into his 7th season as head coach of the Firebirds, Coach Pratcher has racked up a school record of 111-59 in a very tough and competitive TSSAA AA District.
When asked about how his coaching philosophy translates over to his kids in terms of academics, Coach Prather talks about how he created his motto called “Havoc” as a gold standard for the program. You learn it and play by it, or you simply don’t play. The motto has a meaning attached. The “H” stands for “humility”, the way his players approach the game and play with a chip on their shoulders. In other words, swagger. “A” stands for “attitude”, the ability to develop into smart basketball players. “V” stands for “versatility”, the ability to adapt to game changes, especially on defense. The “O” stands for “overcome”, because many of his players come from various demographics, they have already had to overcome tough situations at home; therefore, basketball gives them solitude. “C” stands “comradery” all as one and one for all.
As an inner city public school and having to support multi sport players, Coach Pratcher welcome those guys with open arms. “Our football players bring toughness and help to vilify the mean of our motto “HAVOC”. In order to compete night in and night out in this district, you have to be tough, play smart, and play together. Being systematic helps most of the players quickly adapt. The Panthers will rely heavily on leadership and another young class of talented athletes.
The players to watch this season for the Panthers will be, go to guy William Shaw (PG), All-State, All-Area, All District, All-Region and selected to the All-tournament team. Shaw has D1 mid major programs looking, and he’s only a junior, Class of 2019. To help Shaw, Coach Pratcher will get a helping hand from 6’5 sophomore, Tyrone Marshall who will handle duties in the post; Senior Jamonte Mitchell 6’0 (SG) with great range and can fill it up quickly; KeAnthony Wilson, 6’4 wing, who can step out and shoot, as well as, post up, and Aden Dhies, 6’0 (PG) who’s quick and very crafty in the open court. Coach Prather says that his guys will play up-tempo with great pace and defend on both ends of the floor.
The run for State will obviously go through last years Champions, Maplewood High School, But if the Panthers have any say in the race this year, last years champs (Maplewood) will have to take it, because we are going to give the district problems. Mark your calendars for following games, Whites Creek, Stratford, East Magnet, and the Grand Daddy rival game vs. Maplewood. Prephoops Sports would like to wish coach Pratcher and the Pearl Cohn Firebirds are great season and best of luck on your quest to win a State title