THE PANTHERS’ PATH
A look at the last 10 seasons of varsity girls’ basketball at Hibriten, where Maury Patterson will take over as head coach next season:
Year Coach Record
2019-20 George Christas 4-20
2018-19 George Christas 6-18
2017-18 George Christas 5-18
2016-17 Roger Burgess 1-23
2015-16 Roger Burgess 5-19
2014-15 Monte Simmons 6-16
2013-14 Monte Simmons 2-20
2013-14 Monte Simmons 8-17*
2012-13 Monte Simmons 5-18*
2011-12 Monte Simmons 6-16*
*–qualified for state playoffs
Notes: Hibriten has made the state playoffs 24 times since 1977-78, 17 of those under head coach Wilford Beane, who had 11 straight teams reach the postseason starting in 1983-84… The Panthers went 20-7 in Beane’s last year (1997-98), falling in a 2A sectional final against Forest Hills.
SOURCE: HobbsDailyReport.com research and files.
By CHRIS HOBBS
HobbsDailyReport.com
LENOIR – Hibriten High is making a change in head coaches in varsity girls’ basketball and in boys’ swimming.
In a press release on Thursday morning, Panthers athletic director Derek Reeves announced:
CHRISTAS
— George Christas, the Panthers’ varsity girls’ basketball head coach the last three seasons, will coach the swimming team.
— Maury Patterson, a former assistant coach at West Caldwell and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) will coach the varsity girls’ basketball team.
MAURY PATTERSON
Patterson has been out of coaching for a few years, Reeves said in the press release.
— Jenni Patterson, Maury’s wife and a former athletic standout at Lincolnton will be her husband’s assistant coach. She is a Western Carolina graduate.
“Coach (Maury) Patterson will bring with him to Hibriten a preparation and skill set that will prepare our girls and take our program to the next level,” Reeves said. “Besides his knowledge of Xs and Os of the game, he is well known for the teaching and development of the skill required … to be successful on the court.
“Hibriten is excited to make the addition of Coach Patterson … and we’re excited about the energy and atmosphere he will create for our program.”
The Panthers went 4-20 overall last season and finished tied for seventh (2-12) in the Northwestern Foothills 2A. They’ve had 17 straight losing seasons, a losing record in 21 of the last 22 years and last reached the state playoffs in 2012-13.
Christas, who came to Hibriten four years ago, has been a swimmer since age 7. He is a graduate of Lockhaven (Pa.) University.
He completed a minor degree in Aquatics while at Lockhaven.
“He is excited to help take Hibriten swimming to a highly competitive level in the years to come,” Reeves said.
