Sports

New Amundsen Coach Aims to Get Athletes in College

Ryan Ward takes over the team mid-season and hopes to improve its 2-8 record. But his main goal is to see all of his players continue their education.

If the new boys basketball coach at Amundsen High School gets his way, every one of his players will go to college.

That’s the goal of Ryan Ward, who took over the varsity squad Wednesday from Ernest Jones.

“That’s my vision here, and is what I really care about now,” he said, adding that several underclassmen have the potential to earn a basketball scholarship.

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Principal Anna Pavichevich said she wouldn’t comment why Jones was no longer coaching, but confirmed he is still employed by the school.

Ward comes to the position after turning around the programs at Mather High School and Triton Junior College.

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While on the coaching staff, Mather went from a 3-24 team to 24-4 within a year, earning a trip to the city’s Elite 8.

He’s been a special education teacher at Amundsen for the last three years.

Ward and the Vikings lost their first home game 42-60 Thursday against Lincoln Park High School, but Ward commended his team for staying together throughout the game and coaching transition.

“We’re going through a bit of an adjustment period and seeing a lot of teams that might underestimate us,” he said.

Amundsen moved up a conference this year, now playing in the premiere league—the most competitive in the city.

Lincoln Park jumped out to an early 8-point lead in the first quarter and led 17-28 at the half.

Amundsen tried making a comeback after Kenneth King sunk a 3-pointer to start the third quarter and put the Vikings within eight points.

But the Lincoln Park guards were on a shooting spree; Julian Nunnery and Malik Jones each had three 3-pointers to lengthen the gap.

“Lincoln Park really shot the ball very well, the 3-pointers, I really give credit to them,” Ward said.

The Lions put the nail in the coffin when Joshua Wilkes broke free and found Tobi Ewuosho sprinting down the court. Ewuosho sunk a commanding dunk to make the score 26-40. 

Nick Flowers and Darius Bush each had 10 points for the night and King came off the bench to chip in eight, including two 3-pointers.

The loss puts Amundsen at 2-8 for the season. On Tuesday, the team will travel to Von Steuben for their next contest.


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