Hutch’s homecourt swan song sweet as KCHS boys to state
And to do that, his Irish (27-3) fought off a tough Memphis University School team’s best shot early to win comfortably in the end, 73-60, in a Division II-AA Sectional that earned the Irish a third straight state tourney trip.
“That wasn’t what we had our mind on,” Hutchens said about “last games,” adding, “... We just want to get on the dance floor” as a title contender in Cookeville this week.
Blue Cain, junior wing, and senior wing Presley Patterson each pumped in 27 points — Patterson nailing a career-best eight three-point baskets.
“... They came out really hot, and I knew someone was going to have to step up,” the Irish senior wing said.
“That’s what he does this time of year,” Hutchens said, also recalling Patterson nailing five three-pointers in the 2020 state championship game victory as a sophomore “and was the Player of the Game.
“And he’s done it numerous other times when we’ve needed it the most,” the veteran coach added.
“And I thought our freshman (post) Deondrea Lindsey played really well. He got in there and battled with (huge MUS post R’Chaun) King.” Lindsey scored 12 points.
About being motivated to win for Hutchens, “This was huge because we haven’t lost a game in here since we played IMG my sophomore year, and we weren’t going to send him out on a loss,” Patterson said. “That would be disrespectful to his legacy; he’s won over 600 games.”
Being a varsity team member since his freshman season, and a three-year starter, “I think we’ve played, I want to say, 130 games together,” Patterson said of his time under Hutchens.
“He’s meant a lot since I came here in the ninth grade,” senior guard and UT signee B.J. Edwards said of Hutchens. “He took me in, and he’s been just the best coach.
“He’s a great guy, and we’ve got to win (the state title) for him,” added Edwards, who scored seven points Saturday.
The bottom line as a team? “These kids are all winners,” Hutchens said. “And they’ve got heart and they’re coachable.
“It’s a joy to coach them.”
The outgoing Irish head coach said his program’s recent years success, including the 2020 Division II-AA state crown, “is a tribute to these kids, and especially who we play” in terms of regularly scheduling tough opponents.
Moreover, “This year we had 10 home games and 19 road games,” he added. “I think we spent nine days in hotels this year traveling.”
Looking back, “It’s been a heck of a run,” Hutchens said about his 33 years. “Most people don’t get to do a job that’s fun, and I’ve got to do one for 33 years. It’s almost like I didn’t work.
“Every player I’ve ever had I’ve enjoyed,” he added, which included his son, Mikey Hutchens (2002-2006).
“Coach (Tony) Scott has been with me for 21 years. Little Tony (Scott’s son) is my Godson,” he said. “And Jurard (Scott) played for me, and I coached him a little bit in football. ... I coached 16 years of football (an assistant) also.
“And actually coached softball for five years,” Hutchens added.
While “there’s some hardship, always, along the way,” the veteran coach emphasized.
