For the second consecutive season, Sunrise Christian Academy’s Luke Barnwell was named the Naismith High School Coach of the Year. Barnwell is the only coach to ever win national coach of the year in back-to-back seasons.
As of March 1, the Buffaloes were the top ranked team in the nation according to ESPN and had a record of 25-1.
“I am completely humbled by the honor of the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Coach of the Year,” Barnwell was quoted saying to naismithtrophy.com “The heart of basketball was for Dr. Naismith to disciple young men, and I am blessed God allows me to continue the same work many years later. I share this award with an amazing staff of coaches and players. My first thought after winning the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Coach of the Year in consecutive years was, ‘Wow, God. I don’t deserve this.’ This is truly a direct reflection of players who have selflessly worked extremely hard, a coaching staff that is all in, a school that fully supports our team and God’s blessing and favor on my life.”
Kansas signee Gradey Dick, who is ranked No. 8 in the nation, and Mark Mitchell, a Duke signee, who is ranked No. 32, are the top players for Sunrise.