Last Thursday, Coahoma’s renowned high school coach received the one award missing from his arsenal. Mississippi High School Activities Association, Inc. awarded Derrick Moore of Coahoma County High School “Coach of the Year” for boys’ basketball.
The winner of this award was voted on by fellow coaches across the state, and Moore humbly gives credit to the collective effort of those around him. “Although it is an individual award and my name is on it, it really goes to a combination of those who sacrifice their time daily,” said Moore. “I have a phenomenal coaching staff and great athletes whose parents allow their kids to play for me. My family fully supports me, and they play a major role in anything, which I am successful.”
To name a few, Moore has received All-Area Coach of the Year, District Coach of the Year, Delta Valley Coach of the Year, Mississippi Coach of the Year, and National High School Association Coach of the Year.
With high expectations from the community and surrounding areas, Moore shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to challenge his athletes to be the best versions of themselves and to aspire to surpass their potential in the years he spends with them.
Moore and the Red Panthers won back-to-back state championships in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and he has been to several state tournaments as the boys and girls head coach.
The Red Panthers advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals this past season where their comeback attempt against Bay Springs fell two points short after trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter.
