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The family dynamic of Rogersville basketball is unlike any other in the state, maybe the country.
“Hoping one day that this scenario would take place and it’s really been a dream come true,” said Rogersville girls basketball coach Denny McHenry.
Father, Denny, coaching daughter Maci, a sophomore. Denny’s oldest son Mitch, coaching his little brother Matt, a Rogersville senior.
“To have three of your kids to experience what you’ve done for your career and your whole life is so special and for me I’m winding down my career, but don’t look at it like my career is over yet,” said Denny. “My dream now is maybe working for him now one of these days in his program.”
Both, highly successful programs, despite very opposite coaching styles.
“He’s demanding which I think is a good thing, and I think that’s the only way to be the best team and athlete that you can be to have a coach that demands perfection, which is what we all strive for,” said Mitch, who played at Republic and later Evangel. “He’s going to hold you accountable.”
“My dad is a little louder and a lot more demanding,” said Maci. “My dad’s just always been loud and Mitch is kind of more quiet.”
“He’s probably a little softer spoken than I am on the sideline,” said Denny. “He gets his point across. He probably doesn’t beat that sideline like I do. Like he said I’m demanding, but he has that quiet and calmness about him, which I always thought he would have. I just think he has a great character and demeanor about him with his players, and his coaching style is tremendous.”
“When he was playing in high school I always looked up to him on the court,” said Matt. “When I heard he was going to be my coach my senior year I was excited about it to tackle my senior year and leave nothing out on the court.”
The veteran coach, the up and comer, the sophomore sensation, and the senior leader; a family affair these four will never forget.
“I don’t think I can have a better start to my career than to have my father along side of me every day after every game win or lose, being able to consult and talk with him,” said Mitch. “And I don’t think I could have it any other way with my brother as our point guard and be in charge on the floor. It’s pretty awesome. It’s something that we’re never going to forget and it’s something we’re just going to enjoy and look back at for the rest of our lives.”
Both Rogersville teams had solid seasons. The girls (20-6) fell to West Plains in the district championship. The boys (15-11) lost to Hillcrest in the district semifinals.
