Each year, the most talented high school senior basketball players from across the state are selected to compete in the ultimate showdown, also known as the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) All Star Game. Naturally, a game played by the best is also coached by the best, and this year is no different.
Mansfield High School’s own Coach Richie Alfred was selected to coach one of the 4A/5A All-Star boys teams at Trinity University in San Antonio on May 20.
Alfred is completing his 28th year as a basketball coach, which makes him an outstanding candidate for an All-Star game coach. In addition to his impressive tenure, Alfred brings a bevy of winning qualities to the table. He was nominated for the honor by his former assistant coach Marchie Murdock, who now serves as head basketball coach at Legacy High School.
In Murdock’s nomination letter to the TABC Committee, he referred to Alfred as “one of the best defensive tacticians to ever grace the sidelines,” adding that the teams who have fallen victim to his players over the years are still “scratching their heads in mystery.”
Alfred’s coaching skills have led to more than 400 victories as well as recurrent playoff seasons. In addition to being considered a brilliant coach, Alfred serves as a mentor and role model for many young men. Murdock writes:
“The young men under his guidance get a daily character lesson which helps them to not only understand how to overcome life obstacles, but to believe in themselves and perfect the little things that will aid them in victory. Whether it is used in competition or in life, his method for success has proven to be a valid formula.”
Alfred believes that young athletes can learn many life lessons through hard work and competition and he makes a consistent effort to bring those lessons to light.
“I am a firm believer that athletics mirrors life and that there is much to be learned through sports,” said Alfred. “I try to use basketball as a tool to teach those lessons and I believe there is a correlation between that and student success.”
As Coach Alfred prepares for the big event next week, he will draw upon 28 years of competitive milestones and memories.
“This feels like the culmination of a long career,” said Alfred. “I’ve had some great teams and we’ve won a lot of games, but what I’m most proud of is how our determination and heart brought us to where we are today.”
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