Tuscarawas County girls basketball coaches express gratitude at annual preview night

While the nine Tuscarawas County girls basketball coaches shared plenty of information about their hopes dreams and teams for the upcoming 2025-2026 high school basketball season during the second annual Tuscarawas County Girls High School Basketball Preview Night Nov. 3 at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center in Dover, there was one common theme that ran clearly throughout the evening.

That theme was gratitude for the county and for host Tuscarawas County Sports Hall of Fame for creating a chance for each of the nine head coaches to share, to connect and to highlight the excitement taking place in girls basketball.

“We appreciate having this event for girls basketball” said Indian Valley head coach Jen Simmerman.

“Thank you for supporting girls basketball,” said Garaway head coach Brooks Numbers. “They don’t often get the recognition they deserve, so this is nice that the girls are getting their due.”

Those two coaches were joined at the table of honor by all of the head coaches in Tuscarawas County, including Claymont’s Allison DeLaney, Dover’s Kyle Dummermuth, New Philadelphia’s Kevin Cornell, Newcomerstown’s Chris Bryant, Strasburg’s Tyler Bates, Tuscarawas Central Catholic’s Makinze Luckey and Tuscarawas Valley’s Matt Ward.

Each took their turn at the microphone discussing their team’s outlook for the upcoming season and the challenges their respective teams may face this year, as well as shining a spotlight on some of the central figures who should shine brightly this winter.

The event was hosted by the TCSHOF, and following a brief welcome by member Connie Evans, everyone enjoyed a meal before the coaches took center stage.

TCSHOF member Hank Keathley served as the master of ceremonies, while fellow member Amy Burrier provided some thoughtful words about the importance of girls’ basketball in closing.

Burrier spoke about the memories of preparing to finish her basketball career as a high school senior 34 years ago, and the many fond memories she has from that experience.

“As we get ready for another exciting season of girls basketball, I’m reminded of how special it is to be part of a community that truly values its athletes, its teams and its traditions,” Burrier said. “The hard work and dedication of these young women show on the court and reflect the same pride and spirit that makes Tuscarawas County such a great place to call home.”

Burrier then thanked all the people, businesses and organizations who support each of the county’s teams, noting that the time, support and encouragement poured out to these young women and the coaching staffs make a world of difference in their lives.

“You’re helping shape not only great players but great people,” Burrier said. “That is something worth celebrating.

While the evening featured each coach speaking on behalf of their own team, and many of these teams are rivals on the court, Dummermuth spoke stoically on behalf of all the coaches at the table when he said, “This is a really good group of coaches here and I thank them for their friendship. To me, this is a fun night because we get to see each other and catch up.”

For the many basketball fans who showed up to celebrate the evening, it was a time of fellowship that centered around a game that they hold near to their hearts.

And talk basketball they did as the coaches continued to share their gratitude to the TCSHOF committee and to the fans of girls basketball.

“Anytime we can spend together talking basketball is a great thing,” said Strasburg head coach Tyler Bates. Any time we can get positive vibes and good publicity for girls’ basketball its important.”

“It’s really spectacular to be invited and to be a part of something special like this,” said first-year head coach Luckey, adding that like the TCSHOF committee, the TCC community has been behind her and the program 100%, noting that type of support perfectly sums up Tuscarawas County.

It was an evening that set the stage for what should bean intriguing and exciting season of girls hoops in Tuscarawas County, one filled with high hoops and big expectations.