Coach of the Year: Clark’s Chad Beeten had the winning game plan

By Las Vegas Sun Staff (contact)

Monday, May 23, 2016 | 2 a.m.

In many ways, Chad Beeten had the most difficult coaching season of his life this year.

It ended the same way as the easiest, though: with a state title, as Beeten led Clark’s boys basketball team to a third consecutive championship in Division 1A.

“You never want to say it’s not expected, because you go into the year with the idea of winning a state championship,” Beeten said. “But we really did come a long way, and it makes it that much more special when we can look back on it as a fun ride.”

In all 31 games this season, the Chargers started at least three underclassmen. The lack of experience forced Beeten to drastically alter his usual practice format.

Instead of diving into advanced concepts and specific game plans, the coach focused heavily on fundamentals.

“It’s challenging because you don’t get as much of a chance to do the stuff you’ve done in past years,” Beeten said. “It takes a while to learn the foundation. When you have an experienced team, they come in and know what you want and how to do it.”

But Beeten exercised patience, reaping the rewards as his team showed steady improvement throughout the season. Clark lost in the Southern Region finals to rival Desert Pines 47-42 after falling into an early hole. A week later, the Chargers were the ones racing to a big lead and held on to beat the Jaguars 43-39.

Beeten made a number of adjustments he noticed on video, including extending the Chargers’ zone defense and stressing more patience on offense.

“We didn’t totally change everything,” Beeten said. “It wasn’t just me. You can have the greatest system possible, and it won’t win for you if you don’t have the kids to implement it.”

After the season, Beeten accepted the head coaching job at Crossroads High in Santa Moncia, Calif.

Coach of the Year finalists

• Reggie Ingram, boys basketball, Eldorado: Advanced to the Sunrise Regional championship game a year after winning only four games.

• Jon Ferry, wrestling, Green Valley: Built on one of Nevada’s greatest dynasties by leading Gators to a fifth consecutive state championship.

• Paul Nihipali, football, Chaparral: Guided Cowboys to first playoff win in more than 20 years and reached the state semifinals.

• Karen Weitz, girls basketball, Centennial: Won an eighth state championship with a team that finished the year ranked No. 4 in the nation by USA Today.