In the usual flurry of offseason coaching changes that occur more frequently with each year that passes, Patrick Damron leaving Eastside High School to become the boys basketball coach at Wise County Central last month created quite the buzz.
The Eastside Spartans ruled the Cumberland District during Damron’s 13 seasons calling the shots and were perennially one of the top teams in the VHSL’s smallest classification.
Meanwhile, Wise County Central compiled a 22-4 record last season and swept the Mountain 7 District regular-season and tournament titles in what turned out to be the fourth and final year with Justin Boggs at the helm of the Warriors.
Damron to Central was a stunning development to some, including Ean Hayes, a rising sophomore for the Warriors and one of the area’s best players.
“First off, I was a little surprised when Coach Boggs told us he was stepping down,” Hayes said. “It actually really surprised me and he actually told us guys at our annual youth basketball camp we do for the kids. … When I found out Coach Damron got the job I was eager to meet him and see what he is going to bring to the program.”
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Damron certainly needs no introduction to local hoops fans.
The Kentucky native who played at Whitesburg High School and Alice Lloyd College, has a career record of 335-193 and that included an eight-season run at now-defunct St. Paul.
Eastside won nine Cumberland District regular-season titles, 10 district tourney titles and made six state tournament appearances during his tenure.
“I have a lot of fond memories of my time at Eastside,” Damron said. “It was definitely a hard decision and something I put a lot of thought into. I have observed Central basketball from afar for the last few years. The interest level is high, as well as the talent, not just over the next couple of years but for many years to come. The opportunity to coach at program with that level of interest could equate to sustained success.”
Damron guided Eastside to state runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019 and several standouts who played for him competed at the next level. Luke Lawson starred for the Spartans and later played for NCAA Division I North Carolina-Asheville.
The resume is indeed extensive.
“However, the greatest thing I will take with me is all my relationships with my former players,” Damron said. “Seeing these boys graduate from college, become husbands, fathers and just solid young men is special, and knowing I played a small part in their success is rewarding. I will continue to maintain these relationships.”
Damron has been forming some bonds with his new squad.
Central is coming off the best season in program history and while the Warriors must replace six seniors, they have plenty of talent back in the fold.
Wise County Central’s 2024-25 season ended with a 66-62 overtime loss in the semifinals of the Region 2D tournament to the Graham G-Men, who eventually finished as state runner-up.
“We had a short summer, and I was able to get in several games. It gave me an opportunity to get to know the kids, as well as observe their strengths and weaknesses,” Damron said. “I am excited with the talent returning from last year’s Mountain 7 District championship team. These kids have played a lot of basketball and that shows. I’ve been pleased so far with how hard the kids have played and how they’ve responded to me.”
Hayes has been impressed with the new guy in charge.
“He is very basketball-minded, so that makes us get along pretty well,” Hayes said. “He is very defensive-minded and looks for the best in all of us and he knows what our squad can do when we’re all together and healthy. I really like him in the times we’ve met and spoke, and I think he’s gonna push all of us to our best abilities and get Central some championships.”
Hayes has been sidelined since May with an injury that occurred in the long jump competition during the Region 2D track meet when his shoulder popped out of place and caused a labrum tear.
“Everything with that is going great though and I will be back in plenty of time for the season,” Hayes said. “I’m ready to work even harder to keep building on what the team did last season and make sure we all do what we need to do to win.”
Damron’s arrival will also provide a major boost to the girls program at Central, which has won the last two VHSL Class 2 state championships (and eight overall) under the direction of head coach Robin Dotson.
Damron’s daughter, Drew, averaged 13.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 blocks per game this past season at Eastside and played a starring role as the Spartans won state gold in 2024. She is a rising junior.
Damron’s son, Devin, will be in the eighth grade when school commences in August.
Brandi-Baker Damron, Patrick’s wife, was an All-American and national champion at Shawnee State, a NAIA school in Portsmouth, Ohio.
“We are a basketball family,” Damron said. “When making the decision to change communities, I wanted to do what’s best for my entire family, which includes my two kids.”