The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Zachary High School walked away with state championship titles this season. It was the culmination of years of deliberate, disciplined, and deeply personal coaching from two leaders who treat their programs like family.

 “What kind of legacy do you want to leave?”

That’s the question Coach Tami posed to her team last summer. After back-to-back quarterfinal losses, the girls were hungry for more—but hunger wasn’t enough. Tami overhauled the schedule, pushing the team into uncomfortable territory with travel-heavy games against top-ranked programs statewide. The message was clear: if they wanted to be champions, they had to work harder than everyone else.

“This year, we used the theme ‘ReZilience,’ with a Z,” she said. “After coming up short, we had to push through. When things get tough, what are you going to do fold or fight?”

Her players chose to fight. Senior Tiara McPipe stepped up as a defensive anchor and emotional leader, helping to drive the team through the semifinals and finals. “She gave everything, heart and soul, into that game,” Tami said. McPipe heads to Loyola University New Orleans next fall, leaving behind a 1,000-point career and a legacy of grit.

Rising senior Ava Raymond is poised to follow in her footsteps. With more than 15 scholarship offers and a work ethic that keeps her in the gym long after practice ends, she’s already on pace to surpass 2,000 career points next season.

 

“G.R.I.T. isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life.”
For Coach Jonathan, the boys’ program is built around four pillars: Guard, Run, Intensity, and Toughness. Inspired by Angela Duckworth’s Grit, he’s instilled those values in every practice, every drill, every game.

 “We always say: if we’re not doing those four things, we’re not playing our game,” he explained. That foundation helped his players not just compete, but lead. Senior Xavier Ferguson emerged as a vocal leader and culture-setter, eventually signing with national JUCO champion Trinity Valley Community College.

But it wasn’t his scoring that made the biggest difference. “He became the kid who sent the pre-practice texts. The one making sure everyone showed up prepared,” Jonathan said. “His leadership infected the rest of the team.”

Rising star Ian Edmon has taken the torch. “He’s always in the gym,” Jonathan said. “I’ll check the cameras, and an hour later, he’s still shooting.”

Championships Are Earned Year-Round
Unlike in other states, Louisiana’s basketball culture is relentless. Both coaches emphasized the importance of off-season development, high-stakes scheduling, and treating the program like a college-level operation.

“It’s nine months a year,” said Tami. “You can’t take time off and expect to be the best.”

The support systems in place between alumni, parents, and the community are crucial. Former players return regularly to mentor the current team, reinforcing the values of discipline and accountability. Administrators like Jonathan, who also serves as Dean of Students, help ensure players stay grounded in both academics and athletics.

 

More Than a Game
Zachary’s basketball culture is deeply interconnected. There’s no rivalry between the boys' and girls' teams. Just unity.

“It’s not girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball,” said Jonathan. “It’s our village. Coach Tami is like family. When her players see me, they know I’ve got their back. And when mine see her, it’s the same.”

That mutual respect may be the secret to their shared success.

“We support each other fully,” Tami added. “It’s not just about winning. It’s about making our kids better people, better leaders, and better teammates.”

The Challenge Ahead
Repeating a state title isn’t easy. With a target on their backs and new expectations looming, both coaches are bracing for a more intense year.

“You don’t get to relax,” said Jonathan. “Being complacent is a recipe for failure.”

“The second year—trying to repeat—is the toughest season anyone will experience,” said Tami. “Everyone wants to beat the best… there's a lot of pressure being put on them. Not pressure by me, but it's outside. And they feel it.”

Still, both coaches feel confident that their systems, their players, and their shared sense of purpose will carry them through.

“You proved where you can get to,” she told her players. “Don’t be satisfied.”