by Natalia Martinez

Head boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson scans the hallway by the lunchroom, looking for problems to solve. Most students know him as the coach behind the game plan for JHS players.

“I coach basketball to teach kids and get to help them and teach them the things teachers and others don’t really get to teach them,” said Wilkerson.

Wilkerson played basketball at Jeff High before he ever coached here, as he was on the 1993 state championship team. He has carried what he learned from playing in that game through college and now to his players.

“Everything I learn from college I teach all at the high school level to show them what it takes, because if you’ve never been there before, you don’t know what it takes to be there.”

Those who know Wilkerson describe him as a good person and role model, saying the way he chooses to teach his players is a view of his character.

“Sherron cares a lot about the kids, making sure to teach them life lessons and put them on the right path in life. People just see his intensity, not how much he cares and helps the kids, and the kids that come back after graduation, he still helps them,” said safety and security officer Brian Mitchell.

Junior and varsity player Shyne Scruggs agreed. “Coach Wilkerson is very serious and a hard worker when it comes to basketball and very smart and intelligent.” 

Wilkerson wants his players to succeed on and off the court. He also supports them when they leave for college.

“He is always thinking about coaching when he’s not coaching, also making sure the kids are good and taken care of at home and if they need something to let him know,” said Mitchell. 

Wilkerson demonstrates the ability to bring out the best in every athlete, pushing them to reach their full potential and setting them up for success for success in the way he views losses.

“We don’t judge off our losses; we judge off performance and growth.’’ said Wilkerson.