By Moses Leos III

For the first time in 11 seasons, a new face will roam the boys basketball sideline at Lehman High. 

Following the reassignment of Thomas Acker in April, Lehman High tabbed Michael Whitten on June 1 as the next boys head basketball coach.  

Whitten, who previously was the head assistant varsity boys basketball coach at Georgetown High, takes over his first varsity coaching role. Prior to coaching at Georgetown, Whitten was a varsity assistant at Westwood High. 

Whitten said his experience at Georgetown would help shape his tenure at Lehman. 

“It will be a transition I’m ready for. I can’t wait for that first game,” he said. “To see if we can create a culture there and get these kids some success and build off of that.” 

While at Georgetown, Whitten saw the program reach the UIL postseason in three straight years. That includes finishing the 2013 season as regional finalists. 

Whitten said his coaching background in 25-5A would translate to the 14-6A ranks. According to Whitten, both districts share a “scary comparison,” as both have storied programs that have held success.  

He also brings a style of play that focuses on a higher tempo of play. A high-pressure defense will be his focus, something Whitten learned while at Georgetown, where they “pressed the entire game.” On offense, he said the mindset will be to push the tempo when need be. 

But Whitten said adhering to opposition is also critical, as is executing in the half court. 

“We want to play fast, speed up and press on defense, but we also want to execute in the half court,” Whitten said. “Once in the playoffs, you have to execute in the half court.”

Molding his style to the talents of the returning Lehman lineup is also important. Whitten said he’s met several of the returning Lobo basketball players during open gym sessions and their participation on Amateur Athletic Union teams. 

Having viewed tape on the Lobos, Whitten said the team has been “confined” and had played conservatively. 

“I want to see what happens when we take the reins off,” Whitten said. 

Working to help bring further success to Hays CISD basketball is what Whitten hopes to achieve. He cited the recent success of Hays High’s basketball program, but noted the lack of consistent district success in boys basketball over the years. 

“There’s a lot of pride at Lehman and I hope to help build that and the program,” Whitten said. “There’s some talent, but it needs to be harnessed and we can get that done.”