Head Coach: Blake Becke
Assistant Coach: Tori Clark
Highland Cougars
Colors: Orange, Blue and White
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Arrowhead Conference
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Region IV
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NJCAA Division I
NEW COACH HIRED FOR WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Highland Community College has hired Blake Becke of Pearl City as the Head Women’s Basketball coach for the 2020-21 basketball season.
“We have a commitment from a local basketball coach who will help our successful women’s basketball program continue to flourish,” said Pete Norman, Highland Community College Athletic Director. “This continues our commitment to student-athletes who depend on programs like these for access to quality education and to continue their careers at the intercollegiate level.”
Becke comes to Highland with a successful background in coaching, having spent five years with the Pearl City girls basketball program where he was the varsity assistant from 2013-16 and freshman/sophomore coach from 2013-17. Becke has also spent several years refereeing throughout the area.
Norman was certainly disappointed to have to cancel the 2019-20 season due to no head coach and shortage of players. “We’re thrilled to have Blake take the reins of the women’s basketball program,” he said.
Highland Women’s basketball has a storied history with back to back Region IV Championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as a championship in 2016. Plus, back to back Arrowhead Conference Championships in 2018 and 2019.
“The timing is good with the start of high school basketball season. We’re ready to start recruiting and I know Blake is anxious to get rolling,” Norman added.
Highland hopeful after no women’s basketball this season
Highland Community College will not have a women’s basketball team for the upcoming 2019-2020 season.
“Obviously we are very disappointed to make this announcement especially with the success of our women’s basketball program over the years,” said Pete Norman, Highland Community College Athletic Director. “However, we need to allow time for those colleges on our schedule to plan accordingly.”
The Highland Women’s basketball program thrived with back to back Region IV Championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as a championship in 2016. Plus, back to back Arrowhead Conference Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Missing a season due to no head coach and shortage of players is becoming a trend at many colleges according to Norman. “Unfortunately, this has happened too frequently at our level across the country,” he said.
The search for a new head coach started immediately after Lonnie Boga gave his notice in May and will continue until someone is in place for the 2020-2021 season. The timing also limited Highland’s opportunity to recruit new players for the current season.
“It is not a good thing, but we will move forward and hope to name a coach as soon as possible, so we can start recruiting for the next school year,” said Norman. “We are going to come back just as strong for not only our loyal fans, but for the student-athletes who depend on the program for access to quality education at Highland and to continue their careers at the intercollegiate level.”
Those interested in applying for the Women’s Head Basketball Coach position should go to highland.edu/employment or call Pete Norman at 815-599-3465.
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