Barry Yocom is finishing his fifth season as the head basketball coach at his alma mater. When he was interviewing for the job I remarked that he was the “perfect fit”. Five years later that has never been more evident. He has built a program at Reeds Spring.
He may not have the Wolves ready to win a state title or even make a long run into the state playoffs but he has built a winner. They have won 17 games this season, thus far, and still have the District Tournament ahead of them. The team has won 16+ games in back to back seasons for the first time since the FINAL FOUR team of 1999-2000. And, with the vast majority of the team returning next season, they will have a great shot at having a winning record in back to back to back seasons for only the second time in school history. It was 1970-1973 the only other time it has happened.
His group plays as a team. He has instilled discipline and a true “family” atmosphere. It all starts with the philosophy of “binging it” EVERYDAY. They are unselfish and that has shown up on the court. The school records that have been broken this year are great examples of doing what it takes to help the team. Logen Plumb broke Yocom’s school record for Charges taken in a season. And Joel Gertson has rewritten the assists record book. This season he has surpassed the previous marks for dimes in a game, season, and career.
This type of lunchpail work ethic is nothing more than a reflection of Yocom, himself. As a 6-2 post player all Yocom did was score the most points (1773) in school history. He did this while competing with no less than THREE division I post players in the same conference. (Steven Hill-Branson (Arkansas) Drew Richards-Rogersville (Missouri State) and Sam Singh (Ozark-Bradley)
Yocom coaches with passion. While not extremely animated on the sideline there is no mistaking how much he is into every game. His maturity is evident in the way he handles both his players and the officials when thing go the wrong way; and, the way he celebrates the players success, but also, taking “moments to teach” when they go astray.
Whether the season ends with an opening round district loss or the Wolves stamp their way to the State Playoffs with a district title, this year will be labeled as a success and so has been the coaching career at Reeds Spring of Coach Yocom
The Wolves play Marshfield in the opening round of Districts, Monday Night at 6:00 in Bolivar.
