Latest news with #JohnEllerbee
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panhandle coaching legend, Ellerbee retires again
BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla. (WMBB) – After leading the Blountstown girls basketball team to the program's first Final Four, head coach John Ellerbee announced his retirement on Monday. After a 25-year coaching hiatus, Ellerbee came out of retirement to coach the Lady Tigers this past season. Blountstown finished 20-7 overall, with a district championship and their first regional championship ever. Before his first retirement in 1999, Ellerbee led the Malone boys basketball program to two state championships (1991, 1994) and a state runner-up finish (1993). Ellerbee said in a statement on Monday, 'I want to focus my attention on my grandchildren and family. I also plan on traveling, fishing, and hunting. I was blessed to coach these young ladies this year and experience them becoming a team.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lady Tigers prepare for first Final Four appearance
BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla. (WMBB)– For the first time in program history, the Blountstown girls basketball team is getting ready to compete at the state semifinals in Lakeland. The Final Four achievement was made possible under the leadership of Panhandle coaching legend, John Ellerbee, who returned from a 25-year retirement to guide the team. Ellerbee's focus upon return was to improve structure and discipline, which proved to be key elements that affected the Lady Tigers' previous successes. 'I'm just excited to have this opportunity for these young ladies to be playing in the Final Four,' Ellerbee said. 'It's been a good year, a learning curve for both me and the team, but it's been a fun journey.' Despite stepping away from the game for 20 years, Ellerbee's 'tough' coaching methods were embraced by the team. 'Young people want structure, they want boundaries,' Ellerbee said. 'If you lay the framework for what your expectations are, they're coachable.' The Lady Tigers have not had a losing season since 2021, showcasing the program's internal talent. However, the lack of team unity was an issue that has been addressed since Ellerbee's return. 'We kind of went into last year lost,' said player Tiasia Alston. 'Him coming in and explaining things definitely helped us.' The improvement in team bonding has been a significant factor in this season's success. 'We're definitely more comfortable with each other,' Alston added. 'That closer bond has helped us in games.' Ellerbee's coaching style, combined with the team's willingness to buy in, has allowed the Lady Tigers to reach new heights. 'It's not a sprint, it's a marathon,' said sophomore guard Cyianna Smith, reflecting on Ellerbee's first words upon return. 'We know he's got our back, and we've got his. This is huge for us because we've never made it to the Final Four before.' 'We want to have a good experience and enjoy the moment, but this is a business trip, not a pleasure trip,' Ellerbee said. 'We want to come back with a state championship.' The Lady Tigers are set to face Wildwood in the semifinal matchup, scheduled to be played in Lakeland on Wednesday, February 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
