At a place like Bishop Luers, where state championships are counted like some other schools’ sectional crowns, the pressure can sometimes be felt to produce.
To say that Mark Pixley felt the pressure is unfair, but to say he was ignorant of the success previous coaches like Denny Renier, Teri Rosinski and Gary Andrews had with the Knights would be wrong.
So when Coach Pixley helped lead Luers girls’ basketball to its seventh state championship this past season – and its first in 13 years – you had to feel for one of the good guys in the sport in this area, making it a no-brainer to name Pixley our OTH 2023-24 Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year.
It took a decade of trying before Pixley broke through with a state title – culminating in the 44-36 win over Brownstown Central late last month.
In typical Pixley style, he deflected the praise.
“When the clock was ticking down to zero (in the state game), my mind went to former players such as Lydia Reimbold, Kat Knapke, Emma Wolfe, KK Knapke, Jay Bright, Anna Parent and so many others that I didn’t get to share this feeling with,” Pixley said. “I have learned so much from my past players and coaching staffs on how to be a better coach.
“(The moment) was truly all about them.”
Led by senior Addie Shank, Pixley’s squad went to work from the jump after capturing a sectional title a year ago. It won 14 games during the regular season, but also saw itself tested inside and outside the Summit Athletic Conference, falling to Hamilton Heights and Huntington North as well as four league foes.
Pixley utilized his experience to push all the right buttons.
“We started off the season as the Addie and (senior Annika Davis) show,” Pixley said. “Halfway through the season we became the Addie, Annika and (sophomore Miley Wareing) show. The last part of the season we became the all 11 varsity players show.”
The Knights’ run to state, with the team winning its final 10 games of the season, was a culmination of the growth over the course of months, but prior and during the year.
It was also proof positive that Pixley is one of the best coaches in the area.
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