Brad Rees named IAAM Basketball Coach of the Year for the second time in five years

By Nelson Coffin
nelson@iaamsports.com

Being No. 1 in the Baltimore Sun’s preseason basketball rankings, and completing the campaign in the same exalted position — for the third year in a row, mind you — is a feat not easily accomplished.

At McDonogh, though, under IAAM Coach of the Year Brad Rees, the thought of such success comes with the territory.

This winter, the Eagles earned the sixth A Conference title of Rees’ 16-year reign, and it took a nail-biting 54-53 victory over St. Frances Academy in the final to pull it off.

McDonogh was always up for the challenge without shying away from the fact that the program takes its annual championship search very seriously.

“We talk about it,” Rees said, noting that the players are reminded of the date of the championship (Feb. 18) at every practice. “We have high expectations, and they embrace that. It puts a lot of stress on the kids, but I give them a lot of credit for persevering. They’re the ones who have to do it, and they came through.”

The Eagles went 25-4, losing several non-conference battles that, in the end, proved to be beneficial in the long run.

“It not only helped us to prepare,” he said. “It helped to keep the kids hungry and motivated.”

Moreover, Rees has been able to keep up with the game’s evolution with help from assistant coach Terry Hall. Having former players Dajah Logan and Jameira Johnson as volunteer assistants has also been a bonus, he said.

With the staff using the right buttons, and seniors Kennedy Umeh (Stanford) and Ava McKennie (Maryland), and sophomore Autumn Fleary, taking charge on the court, McDonogh was able to overcome having a shorter bench than previous Eagle teams have enjoyed.

“We’re just blessed to have great kids,” he said. “We were able to get some freshmen some playing time early in order to get them ready to make contributions by the end of the year.”

Rees said he is excited to see what the passing of the torch from McKennie and Umeh to Fleury next year will look like.

“Autumn became more of a vocal leader this year,” he said. “We were lucky to have three great players, who were able to stay on the same page. They deserve the credit for that.”

Mercy coach George Panageotou said he respects Rees’ ability to always keep his team in the thick of things.

“Brad, year in and year out, has his team playing at a high level,” he said. “He has taught his players to always play hard and how to win close games. Brad is a fantastic coach.”

McDonogh athletic director Mickey Deegan calls Rees a consummate coach who cares for his players on and off the court.

“Not only for how they perform on the court,” she continued. “But in life as human beings who are respectful and accountable to each other. Brad is experienced, knowledgeable and innovative. He has helped so many of his players get to the collegiate level to play the game they love.”