Cleveland instilling hard work, focus in boys basketball team as new head coach

As the boys basketball team sets out for a new season, it is doing so with a new leader directing the program.

Tyler Cleveland has taken over as head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the past few years. Cleveland’s ties to the team go back to his days as a player for the Cardinals during his high school years.

He said the lessons he learned as a part of the team and community for so long are helping guide his approach to the new role.

“I’m pretty pleased with the effort so far,” he said. “I’ve been around the school here for about four or five years now. So I kind of know everybody, kind of know how they work. The coach here, Kyle Deterding, did a great job with building a culture here, with kids that just come in and work hard. And that’s kind of what I want to keep moving forward.”

Players said Cleveland is setting the tone early, instilling in them the importance of hard work and focus. They said they trust him because they know he was in their shoes as a player years ago.

“It’s really nice to know that he went through the same things,” senior Connor Watson said.

They said Cleveland has been pushing them to stay focused and always give their best effort.

“He’s setting the tone for us early,” senior Micaiah Jerome said. “Making sure we’re not, like, messing around and just getting to work every practice.”

Cleveland said the team has a good mixture of senior leaders and young talent. He hopes the seniors can set the tone and pass down the expectations for the team. Cleveland already has some early goals set for the players.

“Just really focus on the defense side of the ball,” Cleveland said. “I think the offense is gonna come as long as we move the ball and play as a team, but defensively is where we’re gonna be pretty good.”

The Cardinals will open their season Dec. 10 at home against Wamego.

Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]