Kyle Pertuset selected as new Lynchburg-Clay boys basketball head coach

Kyle Pertuset has officially been named the new varsity head coach for the Lynchburg-Clay boys basketball program. (Photos courtesy of Kyle Pertuset)
The Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs boys basketball program has a new leader, and his name is Kyle Pertuset, as he was officially named the new varsity head coach for the boys basketball program.
Pertuset replaces former LCHS head coach Brian Callahan, who resigned from the position after two seasons with the Mustangs, having a 25-23 record in his years at the helm of the program.
Now it is time for the new era for the Mustangs to begin, as Pertuset is a 2005 graduate of Minford High School and a 2012 graduate of Shawnee State University, who is also on pace to graduate with his master’s degree in intervention in August.
Though Pertuset’s playing career was cut short in high school with knee injuries, he believes his coaching career began at a young age while he was still a student in junior high.
“One could say that my coaching career began when I was in eighth grade when I helped out with a youth league team with Brett McGraw in Minford,” Pertuset told The Highland County Press. “I look back on that now and kind of laugh because I used to sometimes wear a shirt and tie, but I just knew I loved it and wanted to be somehow connected to coaching.”
Pertuset began his official coaching career at his alma mater, being an assistant coach for Minford’s junior high program following graduation, as he was also a volunteer coach for the high school program. Since then, he’s continued to work his way through the ranks at various programs, including the past three seasons at Cambridge High School. Before that, he coached four years in Kentucky, with one year at Heritage Academy, followed by three at Jackson City.
“I always knew from a young age I wanted to teach and coach,” Pertuset said. “I have always loved the flow of basketball and how it can be so flexible based on the circumstance. The game can be played slow, fast and a variety of different ways, and it is always a fun challenge to try and put the puzzle together for what best fits your team.
“I think basketball is synonymous with life. There is much more than one way to do something effectively, and you have to adjust in a way that brings the most benefits for your players and program.”
Getting to the position of LCHS head coach has seen Pertuset learn from many different coaches, as he’s been on coaching staffs for teams that have had two district tournament appearances, one district championship and a regional semifinal appearance.
“A few mentors I have worked under and have great respect for are Kyle Copley, Josh Shoemaker, Jeff Lisath and Kyle Miller,” he said. “I was also fortunate enough to student teach under Josh Arey at Peebles and picked his brain quite a bit about the combination of teaching and coaching.
“I have been exposed to a lot of different types/styles and approaches to basketball. So many people have been tremendously important throughout my journey, and each one of them gave me great opportunities to learn various parts of the game and running a program.”
Coaching is a way of life for Pertuset, and one of his favorite parts about basketball is seeing the progression of a team from start to finish as the game isn’t about where a team starts, but where they grow and finish.
“My favorite part about coaching basketball would be seeing a team grow from day one to the end of season, building relationships with players and watching them grow up right in front of your eyes,” Pertuset said. “I would like for my teams to learn the importance of persevering through challenges, even when things get difficult and strive to be better daily.”
As for on the court, Pertuset said his favorite style of the game involves a fast pace.
“My favorite style of basketball is a fast-paced up and down style, primary and secondary break first, but at the same time you have to be able to do it both ways,” he said. “I like to get the ball and go early, and if a great shot opportunity presents itself, take it, but if not, I like to be able to grind it out in the halfcourt as well.
“I feel that in today’s game, a lot of what you do has to be based around your personnel, and so much of what you do defensively is determined by your scouting report. I like to use multiple defenses and presses, but at the end of the day I’m a firm believer that you have to be able to guard man to man, communicate and rebound the basketball before you can worry about anything else.”
There is no doubt Pertuset is excited to arrive at Lynchburg-Clay and get things rolling with his new program, as the head coach is already watching film of the players who are returning from this past season’s team, and he is putting in the work on continuing to see the program build on the foundation that has been set in previous seasons.
“The most exciting part for me is being back in the Southeast District and the SHAC,” he said. “It’s a great area, and it is home for me. I have always known I wanted to finish my career long term in the Southeast District.
“Throughout my career, my eagerness to be a head coach and continuous pursuit of it has not always made the close to home part possible, but this opportunity at Lynchburg-Clay gives me that, and I am very honored and appreciative of it.”
Pertuset also spoke about how he’s excited to get to know his players.
“I am also excited about meeting the players and getting to work with them,” Pertuset said. “Through the film I have watched already, the returning varsity experience and players that I have seen, I am excited to see how we all fit in together while we figure out our best approach/style of play.”
Digging deeper into talking about what he’s looking forward to in being the new LCHS head coach, Pertuset stated he can’t wait to getting to know the students, their families and the community as well.
“I am first and foremost looking forward to meeting the players, and getting to know them, their families and the community from those in the youth league to high school,” he said. “I am looking forward to starting skill work, strength and conditioning, getting our summer program going, which will include league play, possibly a team camp, 10K Shot Club, Gym Rat Club and youth clinics.
“I’m eager to see us play in person as well, because no matter how much film you watch, it cannot substitute for an in-person point of view of your program.”
Pertuset ended with some final comments.
“I am humbled and blessed to be here and have this opportunity,” he said. “I would like to thank the entire Lynchburg-Clay administration, Mark Faust, Linda Hatten, the hiring committee and the Board of Education for the honor of being a Mustang.”
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