Sports Archive

Mike Davis could easily be retired now. The 67-year-old veteran educator has put in his years in the classroom and numerous gyms in the Okaloosa-Walton County area.

It’s safe to say Davidson Middle School girls basketball coach Courtney Chessher knows a thing or two about the game.

Time will tell if the Davidson Middle School boys basketball team can equal the Okaloosa County Championship of their Panther football counterparts, but coach Josh Rose sees a lot to be optimistic about.

Now in his fifth year as the Shoal River Middle School boys basketball coach, Del Phillips has seen his share of players put on the Mustang jersey. He thinks this team has potential to be as good as some of the best teams he’s had.

As is  the case with many middle school educators/coaches, Shoal River Middle School’s Ryan Gillis wears many hats.

Gillis is the head coach of the Mustang football team in the fall. When the sports calendar changes seasons, Gillis takes over as the Lady Mustangs basketball coach.

Ericka Epperly didn’t intend on becoming a pioneer of sorts at Baker School. She was just looking for a college that might give her an opportunity to play softball at the next level.

That changed with a visit to a college fair at Northwest Florida State College.

Mike Davis has had to work quick in his role as the Laurel Hill School boys basketball coach. Davis, who is also the Hobo athletic director didn’t arrive on campus until the start of the school year as he replaces former coach Shannon Gordon.

Everything seemed to be going as plan in the first half of the season opener for the Lady Bulldogs basketball team as Crestview hosted Pine Forest on Monday, Nov. 20.
Crestview was up 11-4 at the end of the first quarter and 24-16 at the half. But high school basketball is a game of two halves and four quarters. And the final two quarters belonged to the Eagles.

Crestview girls basketball coach Connor Williams could undoubtedly run the same basketball system as his predecessor at Crestview, Steve Williams, who is back at Paxton where he was a long time coach.
And that shouldn’t come as Connor is Steve’s son and cut his teeth on watching his dad coach.

Crestview High School’s boys basketball coach Greg Watson has long been a disciple of stingy defense and a high octane offense.