Neal guided the cougars all the way to the 4A Championship game
Like every other year end award Trianglehoops handed out this year, The Coach Of The Year was a tight race. There were several coaches that got strong consideration for the award, but as the season winded down the choice became clear.
Down the stretch, Apex gained more and more steam and ended up playing for a state title. We didn't see a run like this, it is safe to say no one saw a run like this. Coach Neal told "Tim Plummer joining the team after the first semester is what sparked the run. He has been an incredible leader/warrior/winner for us the last 3 years." Neal went on to explain that the team won 14 of the last 17 after Plummer's return.
What the modest Neal did not say is that he and his staff did an excellent job of keeping things afloat in the early going after a so-so start. DeArius White and emerging post threat Weston Murphy were key before and during the run.
When asked where the inspiration came from, he said it came from on of his assistants, Isaac Bristol. Neal said Bristol talked about the David and Goliath story often, even bringing stones with various motivational sayings on them. Those same stones showed up in a press conference in Greenville when the Cougars defeated a heavily favored Jack Britt squad.
On the sidelines, Neal exudes passion and determination, getting the most out of his players. The team came up short against East Meck in the championship game, but this is something they can all enjoy. Congratulations Coach Neal and staff.
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