Staff File Photo by Jake Daniels/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Bradley County coach Kent Smith talks to his players during a time out in a basketball game at Baylor School.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – At a time when change seems to be the only constant among high school coaches, it’s refreshing to know there are still places where you can count on continuity.
For the last 15 years the only turnover within the Bradley Central basketball program has happened on the court, not the sideline. When the Bears take on District 5-AAA foe Rhea County tonight, it will be Kent Smith’s 499th game as head coach.
Barring any further weather interruptions, Smith will coach his 500th game with the program next Tuesday at Soddy-Daisy.
By comparison, the other two boys’ programs inside Bradley County – Cleveland and Walker Valley – have gone through seven coaches during that time.
Anyone who has watched Smith coach knows instantly how much his mood swings on every possession. Whether he’s stomping his foot after a missed shot or perceived blown call by an official, or pumping his fist in the air with each momentum-shifting rebound or hustle play, you know exactly how the Bears are playing by watching his sideline animations.