One of the top high school basketball coaches in the history of the GHSA is moving on to coach in the college ranks next year.

Miller Grove coach Sharman White who won an incredible seven GHSA Class 5A  titles over an eight year span, including six in a row has left the Wolverine program that he brought to prominence to work with head coach Ron Hunter at Georgia State University.

“ I have been interested in coaching at the college level for a couple of years and have had a couple of offers but I wanted to wait for the right opportunity, the right fit, at the right time, and this is it.  Coach Hunter is building an ascending program and  I can stay at home,  it’s really a no brainer”

Coach White grew up in Decatur,  going to Decatur High School where his Mom still lives. The numbers are amazing.  In 19 years of coaching, 373 wins, 86 losses.   At Miller Grove High School over the last ten seasons, 264 wins, just 47 losses and 7 state titles,  six of them in a row.  He is leaving behind a legacy of class and championships at Miller Grove.

“It was a heck of a ride. Everyone pulled together, the coaches, players, administrators, faculty, fans, and community and they all bought in to building a championship program.  We had lots of great players and it’s really all about the players who build and sustain a championship program.”

I asked the now college coach, about the best part of coaching high school basketball in Georgia.

“It is basketball in its purest form, going to different gyms, playing in tournaments, playing in the GHSA playoffs.  The Miller Grove Wolverines program had a mystique and where ever we played that made for a great atmosphere.  I will definitely miss that.”

Next step,  the challenges ahead at  Georgia State.

“I have to stay on top of everything. It’s a great opportunity to learn from Coach Hunter.  I have always prided myself on being a hard worker, and this is a great challenge.  I will be a  little bit out of my comfort zone, and it’s obviously a great opportunity.  I look forward to learning the lay of the land, recruiting, and coaching college basketball.”

I have covered high school sports in Georgia for over 23 years and I want to tip my cap to the way the Miller Grove program has been run over the past decade under Sharman White.  He won a lot of games.  He won 7 state championships.  He won six of those state titles in a row.  He coached some of the top players to come out of the state of Georgia like Tony Parker, Mfon Udofia, Donte Williams, and this year’s player of the year, Alterique Gilbert.   And he ran the program with class and dignity.  His teams won and they won the right way.

Best of luck, in the college ranks Coach,  but those of us that follow high school hoops in Georgia are sure going to miss you and what you brought to the game.  And let me just say simply,  Thank You.

And good luck at the next level!