Solon’s Pershing relishing first head coaching job

CEDAR RAPIDS – Jason Pershing's most notable former pupil was Marcus Paige.

He didn't tutor the North Carolina All-American in basketball, though. He was Paige's football coach in seventh grade.

'His only football coach,” Pershing noted with a laugh. 'We'd just have the quarterback throw it up there and have him go get it.”

Pershing is Solon's first-year head coach (in basketball) and has the Spartans off to a 3-0 start. The former Cedar Rapids Washington prep worked his way up to his position, spending time as an assistant at places like Washington, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Linn-Mar and Coe College.

He learned from some exceptional head coaches like Dick Breitbach, Chris Robertson and Brad Metzger. Learned well, obviously.

'When I first got the job (last spring), the kids were very receptive to what I wanted to get accomplished, how much time I wanted them to spend in the gym,” Pershing said. 'I think so far it's been a cultivation of that.”

Pershing was hired to replace longtime former Spartans head coach Brad Randall, who resigned under pressure after last season. He has implemented a new offensive system and replaced Randall's trademark 1-3-1 zone defense with almost strictly man to man.

The adjustment is ongoing, as you'd imagine.

'It's a read and react, motion offense,” Pershing said. 'Defensively, man to man is more my philosophy. We have mainly focused on defensive stuff so far, maybe put in a couple of offensive sets. The work has primarily been on shooting the ball and defense.”

The only returning starter for Solon is a good one in senior point guard Emilio Villagrana. Among the scoring surprises early is junior Streeter McIlravy, who poured in 37 points in the Spartans' opener and had a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds in their second game.

He's the son of former University of Iowa national champion wrestler Lincoln McIlravy.

'A phenomenal athlete, and he's still learning the game,” Pershing said.

Solon plays Friday night at Anamosa, then is at DeWitt Central (last year's Class 3A state runner-up) Tuesday night. A tough game at 4A Cedar Rapids Kennedy also looms before Christmas.

'I have been blessed,” Pershing said. 'I've got to be honest, I've had great feedback from the kids. The administration and staff have been great. The families have been so supportive. So far everything has been perfect.”

Including the record.

IN THE LANE

 They're still talking about the buzzer-beating shot Josh Gehling hit Tuesday night. The Dyersville Beckman senior swished one from a stride beyond half court to give his team a 66-63 overtime win at Western Dubuque. The Blazers (4-0) are ranked third in Class 2A by The Gazette. WD is No. 10 in 4A.

 Cavanaugh Riley of Springville and Tukcer Hall of Highland splashed seven 3-pointers each in games last week against Cedar Valley Christian and Louisa-Muscatine, respectively.

 Clayton Ridge's Colin Connelly poured in 39 points in a win last week against MFL/Mar-Mac. The appropriately named Court Christiansen of Belmond-Klemme has the state's biggest scoring game of the season thus far, 42 against Eagle Grove.

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com