A
state-wide panel of coaches, officials, sportswriters,
broadcasters, and select informed fans have voted Warrensburg-Latham's Victor
(Vic) Binkley the IHSS Class 1A Boys Basketball Coach of
the Year.
Binkley, in his 22nd year at helm for the
Cardinals, led Warrensburg-Latham to a school record 33
wins and a 3rd place finish in class 1A for second time
in six seasons. The Cardinals were ranked #1 in the state on
our IHSS Class 1A poll for most of the season. Binkley
has vaulted the W-L program into a consistent
state-wide power using an uptempo attacking transition
offense, as well as the stingy 1-2-2 ballpress defense,
compiling an impressive 176-41 record since 2001.
Some
of the comments about Coach Binkley from our informed IHSS
voters were complimentary, to say the
least...
"Vic's teams are always so well
prepared. I know a coach who saw Vic at a game scouting a
winless team. My coaching friend asked Vic, "What are you
doing here scouting? These guys haven't won a game." Vic's
response was, "Well, you never know who might beat you on any
given night and we don't want to be their first
win!"
"Vic has established a program that now reloads
rather than rebuilds. I also like his enthusiasm on the
sidelines. And while he might question a call or two by the
officials, he shows great class while coaching. I also like
the fact that he is not so hung up on himself that he still
asks for other coach's ideas. He frequently talks with Coach
Alexander at Lincoln for ideas on the 1-2-2
defense."
"Coach Binkley's teams have long been a
staple in Central Illinois as being successful. This year is
no different. Warrensburg Latham is 29-1 on the year thus far
and is a favorite to go to Peoria during the state finals. Vic
Binkley's team impressed many people state wide at the recent
Riverton Shootout when they beat state-ranked St. Anne.
Coach Binkley's team have been consistently strong and always
have been given consideration in the state wide top 10
polls."
"Led Warrensburg-Latham past his 450th overall career
win total this season and will be inducted in the IBCA Hall of
Fame in April."
"For Coach of the Year, my vote goes to
W-L's Victor Binkley. He was supposed to have a good year and
he delivered. I saw them play three times this year and
several times over the past few years and his teams are
always well-prepared. One only has to look at the Riverton
Shootout; the better prepared team won. Quite frankly, I'm not
sure W-L had better talent."
"Team has handled
pressure of their high ranking, and being undefeated for much
of the season, very well. Very well prepared for "showdown"
with St. Anne."
"No matter how the postseason ends, the sort of season
Warrensburg-Latham has had means this type of award for the
coach whose leadership and guidance got them in this position
is more than deserved."
2001-02: 24-7 lost to
Tolono Unity in the Super-Sectional
2002-03: 31-3 3rd
place at Class A State
2003-04: 19-10 lost in
Sectional Semi-Final
2004-05: 21-9 lost in Sectional
Semi-Final
2005-06: 25-5 lost in Sectional
Final
2006-07: 24-5 lost in Sectional Semi-Final
2007-08: 32-2 3rd place at Class 1A State |
Won 7 straight Regional Titles
Won 3 sectional titles in 7 years
Won 2
super-sectional titles
Won 2 3rd place
trophies
Won 176, Lost
41 |
Other
coaches recognized by our IHSS voters were: (in no
particular order)
Brad Hatfill - Lewistown; Steve Kimbro -
Nokomis; Rick Schoon - St. Anne;
Jamie Van Sycoc -
Dieterich; TJ Wilson - Girard; Shane Hawkins -
Trico;
Dan Kirk - Sesser-Vallier; Adam Ellis -
Clay City; Aaron Hird -Catlin-Salt Fork
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