Legendary Lawrence North basketball coach Jack Keefer retires

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After 46 seasons on the bench at Indianapolis prep boys’ basketball powerhouse Lawrence North Excessive College, Wildcats coach Jack Keefer is asking it a profession.

Keefer arrived at Lawrence North in 1976 when the varsity opened its doorways. He retires after one of many most-decorated highschool basketball teaching careers within the nation, headlined by the second-most wins (865) in Indiana Excessive College Athletic Affiliation historical past.

Keefer will converse at a information convention Friday morning at Lawrence North Excessive College, the varsity district mentioned in a information launch Thursday evening.

Revered for his depth on the sideline, and his trademark shirt and tie gown, Keefer was inducted in 2007 to the Indiana Basketball Corridor of Fame after probably the most dominant stretches of success in state historical past.

The Wildcats –led by the nation’s prime prospect, 7-foot heart Greg Oden, and top-20 prospect level guard Mike Conley — gained three consecutive IHSAA Class 4A boys basketball state championships.

Throughout the unimaginable run, Lawrence North set the state file with 50 consecutive victories, which resulted in Keefer successful the 2005-2006 Nationwide Coach of the 12 months honor.

Oden and Conley went on to star as freshmen at Ohio State College, main the Buckeyes to the nationwide championship recreation in 2007 towards Florida. Each jumped to the NBA that spring, with Portland choosing Oden No. 1 total and Memphis taking Conley No. 4 total.

Keefer’s Wildcats gained 19 sectional titles throughout his tenure, and yearly positioned in essentially the most aggressive postseason area of the state.

The Ball State College alum’s teaching profession began at Frankfort Excessive College earlier than a quick cease at Oak Hill Excessive College close to Converse.