Longtime McMinn Central girls’ basketball coach Johnny Morgan watches on as his team competes against Powell in the Renasant Bank Classic in Maryville on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Morgan is two wins away from the 1,000th victory of his career. (Photo by Danny Parker)
By DAVE LINK
MARYVILLE – Much has changed in the world during Johnny Morgan’s 44 years of coaching the McMinn Central girls’ basketball program.
One thing hasn’t changed in the community of Englewood, where McMinn Central is located.
“The people like their basketball there,” Morgan said, “and the players that I’m coaching now, half of them, their moms played for me.
“They’re going to get (the girls) in the gym, and there ain’t no excuses. They got a broke leg, and mom’s saying, ‘You’re practicing today.’ It’s that sort of thing.”
Morgan’s pursuit of his 1,000th career coaching victory will wait until 2022 after his team lost to Powell 53-50 Wednesday in the Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament at Maryville High.
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