Coaches announce changes

The basketball season ended with no local teams moving on to state, but the movement of local coaches has just begun.

At Moose Lake/Willow River, six-year head coach Wes Cummins has decided to step down, citing time commitments and family time as his main reasons.

“I have a daughter who will be playing in middle school basketball next year and a son who will be playing elementary school basketball,” Cummins said. “I will be coaching boys third-grade basketball next year and U9 boys baseball this summer, so I guess you could say I am stepping down in age and responsibility.”

Cummins took his team to the state tournament a year ago. This season, the Rebels rode a rollercoaster season of Covid-related illness and injuries, but still finished 17-9 on the season.

Over at South Ridge, Phil Pliska announced on Facebook last week that he will not be back to coach the Panthers boys basketball team next season.

In his post he said, “For the record, this was not my decision but I respect the administration’s decision as they move forward in their search for a new head coach.”

The Panthers wrapped up their season with a record of 14-11.