Our mission as coaches is to take student athletes where they can’t take themselves. We will foster an environment that teaches our young men to:
- Achieve an exemplary foundation of leadership and academic success.
- Develop and enhance traits of honesty, integrity, strength of character, care and confidence.
- Encourage kids to participate in other sports and/or extra-curricular activities so they can have a multitude of experiences while at Kamiakin High School.
- Embrace commitments to excellence, loyalty, selflessness, trust, and humility.
- Appreciate and embrace all contributors and supporters of our program.
- Relentlessly pursue excellence, win the league championship, and excel at the state basketball tournament.
Varsity-Brian Meneely
Coach Meneely graduated from Kennewick High School in 1999 where he participated in football, basketball, and golf. After graduating high school he attended Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho on a basketball scholarship. While competing for LCSC they won 87 games. At the conclusion of his career Brian not only ended up graduating with a 3.783 in mathematics but also ended up 1st in 3-point shots made, 4th in points scored, and 3rd in Assists in school history. Before coming back home to coach, he made coaching stops in Clarkston, Vancouver, and Lacey, Washington. In just his first year Coach Meneely doubled the Braves win total from the previous year. They were predicted to finish 6th in the CBL and ended the regular season in 3rd place.
Varsity Assistant- Reid Preppernau
Coach Preppernau comes to the program bringing with him a total of more than 300 career victories as a head coach in Washington State. He has coached his teams to finishes of 3rd and 4th place in the state basketball tournament. “Coach Preppernau brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program that is extremely hard to find. We are very fortunate to have him as a part of our staff,” raved coach Meneely.
Sophomore-Mike Smithee
Coach Smithee graduated from Kamiakin High School in 1979. Coach Smithee joined Coach Meneely’s staff after coaching experiences in Nampa, Idaho and Kennewick High before that. “Coach Smithee’s energy and organizational skills are what help him to be such an effective coach, said Coach Meneely.” In Coach Smithee’s first year with the program he led his squads to an undefeated record in league play
(10-0).
Freshman A-Steve Conner
Coach Conner has been coaching the freshman for the Kamiakin Braves for the last six years. “Coach Connors is just a hoops junkie. He runs his company all day long and then comes in at night and works with the kids. The kids and the program are extremely lucky to have someone as passionate as Steve around,” quoted Meneely.
Freshman B-Tommie Oatis
Coach Oatis is the veteran on the Braves coaching staff, having been with the Braves 8 years. Coach Oatis had an impressive playing career that included playing college basketball in the Pac-10 for the Washington State Cougars. “Coach Oatis’ playing career is extremely impressive. What is even more impressive is watching how he works with kids. He does a phenomenal job not only molding basketball players but also molding young men,” said Coach Meneely.
“Without organization and leadership towards a realistic goal, there is no chance of realizing more than a small percentage of your potential.” – John Wooden |
