Under new head coach Cashmere Wright, the varsity mens’ basketball team has excelled, going on a 12 game winning streak with 15 total wins.
Wright, a former professional player, has been coaching for over a decade.
“I have been coaching basketball for several years starting at Norwood in 2015 as an assistant,” Wright said. “I have coached multiple levels, including AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and high school.”
As a player and coach on various different levels, Wright’s expertise has been immensely boosted from his years of experience.
“I’ve had the opportunity to help develop players, build competitive teams and grow programs both on and off courts,” Wright said.
Wright’s skills on the court were developed while playing at the collegiate level for the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, he played professionally overseas in the Netherlands, Greece and Poland following his college graduation.
“I experienced different styles of play and competed against talented players from around the world,” Wright said.
The different styles of play he witnessed broadened his knowledge of the game.
“Playing professionally helped me grow not only as a player but also as a leader and student of the game,” Wright said. “I will try to bring those lessons into my coaching at WHHS.”
Wright was drawn to WHHS due to the academic prestige and talented student athletes.
“I believed in the potential of the program and felt like it was a great place to build a culture of hard work, discipline and winning basketball,” Wright said.
This winning spirit was brought to WHHS this season as Wright led the team to finish second in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) behind Winton Woods High School.
According to their schedule on the WHHS athletic website, the team didn’t lose a game for over a month, spanning from Jan. 9 to Feb. 17. This remarkable streak was the result of Wright’s coaching methods and the players’ commitment.
“From day one we focused on effort, defense and playing for each other,” Wright said. “Our guys worked extremely hard and trusted the process, and that commitment helped us grow as a team.”
Players Charlie Stoffregen, ‘26, Landen McDaniel, ‘26 and Jayden Seeley, ‘27 were huge contributors, giving their all for the team’s success. This earned Stoffregen and McDaniel first team in the ECC, and Seeley second.
“Coach Wright is passionate about the game and he spends hours breaking down film, putting us in the best position to win,” Seeley said.
Wright spends time reviewing tactics in the film room to help the players buy into the vision, teaching his players to expect victory.
“[Coach Wright] cared about us,” Seeley said. “It felt like a brotherhood this year, making winning much more fun.”
The students stand out to Wright as leaders on and off the court.
“The environment around WHHS helps the players translate their hard work and accountability from the classroom onto the court,” Wright said.
This season changed the culture around the team as a new era began with Wright under the helm.
“Our culture is built around accountability, toughness and playing together,” Wright said. “We want to represent WHHS the right way by competing hard, defense, commitment and improving every day on the court. I want leaders and athletes who want to reach the next level in this sport.”