Brandon Roy Wins Washington High School Championship in First Year as Coach

Brandon Roy’s coaching career could not have gotten off to a better start. In his first year as head coach of Nathan Hale High School, he led the Raiders to an undefeated 29-0 season, the Washington State 3A basketball championship, and the number one ranking in the country.

To top it off, the team he beat in the championship game? None other than the Garfield High Bulldogs - Roy’s alma mater, whom he led to the tournament three different times as a player, coming up short each time. Nathan Hale won with a final score of 68-51.

The Natural rejuvenated a Raider program that went just 3-18 last season. The transition was bolstered by seven transfer students, including the top 2017 recruit Michael Porter Jr., who had 27 points and 17 rebounds in the championship game.

The Oregonian’s Kenny Ocker broke down how Roy has helped Porter in his senior season: “He arrived already lauded as one of the best players in the country, and he said having the former Portland Trail Blazers all-star as a coach was ‘a blessing.’”

“I couldn't be in a better situation,” the 6-foot-9 point forward said. “He's a mentor to me. He's like family.”

Roy’s coaching future certainly seems bright. It remains to be seen if he will ever coach at the NBA level, but at just 32 years old and with a championship already under his belt, it seems that the sky is the limit.