New coach, but goal remains the same for Thunderbirds
For the first time in 40 years, a new coach will be on the bench for the Guy-Perkins Thunderbirds. Damon Teas, who was an assistant at Guy-Perkins for several seasons, is replacing John Hutchcraft as head coach. Hutchcraft retired after winning the Class 1A state champsionship, which was his 11th boys or girls state championship, last March after 40 years in coaching. “Following Coach Hutchcraft will be one of the most exciting and scariest things I will ever do in this profession,” Teas said. “You can never replace a John Hutchcraft. I just hope he is proud of what is taking place after he has retired. GuyPerkins will always be associated with the name Coach Hutchcraft, and that is exactly how it should be.” A year ago, the Thunderbirds beat Izard County Consolidated to win their second consecutive Class 1A state title. The team is returning only two part-time starters this year. They are senior point guard Hunter Williams and senior guard Dylan Aldridge. Williams averaged 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game last year, while Aldridge averaged 5 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Teas said his team’s best inside player is senior Dawson Beaudin. “He has not played much up to this point,” Teas said. “However, he has great potential. He has an engine that never quits. He runs the floor really well and does a great job being the rahrah guy and keeping the team fired up in crucial situations. “Dawson will surprise many people with his tough play and ability to score.” Teas said sophomore Omarrion Canada will also play in the post. “He will be a great asset on the court,” Teas said. “His feet are extremely quick, and he can handle the ball better than most players.” The team’s best outside player is Aldridge, the coach said. “He has the ability to pull up off the dribble and hit the deep ball,” Teas said. “He can also take you off the dribble at any time. I’m really looking forward to a big year from him.” Teas said senior Caleb Delph is another outside player who has great potential. “We have been so deep the past couple of years that there have been some good players not even make it onto the court,” Teas said. “Caleb is able to shoot it consistently and is very quick to the rim.” While he knows it will be tough, Teas said, the goals at Guy-Perkins have not changed with the retirement of Hutchcraft. “Our expectation, as always, is to be the state champs,” Teas said. “The seniors understand that it is their turn to carry the torch, and they are excited for the challenge. “This will be a unique year with the coaching change. However, the expectations are the same — win it all. We will play a lot of seniors this season. They just haven’t had a lot of playing time until now.” Teas said team strengths include leadership from the point-guard position in Williams. “Hunter brings a calmness to the court that a point guard needs,” Teas said. “He has the ability to score but also enjoys making his teammates better and getting them the ball in a position to score. “This group of seniors has been together since they were freshmen. They play well together, and they have matured over the years to realize they need all of them to be successful and that they can’t do it alone.” Guy-Perkins is a member of the 1A-5 Conference this season. Teams include Concord, Mount Vernon-Enola, Rural Special, Sacred Heart, Shirley, Timbo, West Side Greers Ferry and Wonderview. “The toughest games include Mount VernonEnola because they are rivalry games,” Teas said. “However, we go to Bay early and have Clinton late, and both of those teams will challenge us.”