Lighthouse boys - Departing Coach Thomas Smith
GARY, Ind. -- (Updated 6/28) “Lighthouse basketball is simply a mess right now.” That’s the quote from a good Varsity Club member reporting on the situation at the Gary school. This NWI Time story is quite telling - https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/hig...cle_60b3aba9-bb5a-5028-98da-31a2ed84fa14.html However, the short version, according to Varsity Club report involves two trains derailing and colliding at the same time - One: admin is a mess. No one knows who is where at any given time. Two: free agent style basketball is taking its toll. Both admin and players allegedly see Lighthouse as a vehicle to serve themselves, and there is little to know commitment to the program or those around them. “When you’re winning and everything is going great guns, these types of teams soar. When things don’t come as easily, it’s like rats off a plague ship.” No point in previewing roster as last year’s 6-win squad will likely look vastly different. It will take someone willing to recreate and re-recruit an AAU type program that players will want to take advantage of for the short term. Success is possible at this charter institution given the landscape of Gary basketball, but report indicates it will take more than a typical neighborhood school coach. A ‘magnetic’ personality will likely be needed.
