Lofty goals for first year JCM basketball coach
JACKSON, Tenn. – In three years, Jackson Central-Merry has seen three different head coaches of the boys basketball team. New coach Jerry Robertson says he’s already making long-term plans. “Winning breeds confidence,” said Robertson. The Cougars last winning season was in 2009. Robertson wants to put JCM back on the district map. “Our goal is to reach the regional tournament, this first year,” said a confident Robertson. The ambitious goals by the former Fayette-Ware assistant coach come from his defensive mindset. The game start with defense. Defense will create offense. That will be our philosophy.” Robertson has only spent a few weeks with his team with a primary focus on conditioning. Junior Bradly Morman has already bought into the new system. “If you play defense, the easier your shots will be on offense,” said the point guard. The Crockett County native coach has done his homework. He says what the Cougars lack in size, they will make up for in speed. “We’re going to have to pull out a few tricks, which I can’t reveal at this time yet,” laughed Robertson. But what JCM fans can expect is a new up-tempo style of play mixed with an old school approach to the game. “I want to see this school perform at a higher level and get back to the level in the 70s, 80s and 90s.” Outside of coaching, Robertson played for Jackson State Community College, UT Martin and was a free agent at one point for the LA Lakers. Along with coaching basketball, he teaches special education students.
