A Rich (Central) new tradition on the court

When Terrone Parham was a basketball player at Rich South High School in 1991, he remembered how badly he wanted to beat Rich Central.

"Rich Central was one of the best programs in the state," Parham said. "They've had so many great players over the years, going to back Kendall Gill and Bobby Smith, who led them to second place in state (1986). Rich Central was the heartbeat of the community. It's a gold mine."

Today, Parham has been tapped by new Rich Central principal Maceo Rainey to bring back the excitement and pride of Rich Central boys basketball.

"Mr. Rainey has a vision for Rich Central," Parham said. "It's my job to take our talented kids and instill discipline and mental toughness. I want our kids to do the job in the classroom each day, then show character on the basketball court. I want our Rich Central players to get back school pride, dedication, commitment and work ethic."

Parham has definitely paid his dues to reach this challenge in his life.

After ranking as one of the top basketball scorers in the nation at Illinois Valley Community College, Parham played two years at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He played in the Continental Basketball Association and in Europe, before coaching one year as a graduate assistant at UALR.

Back home in the south suburbs, Parham ran the youth basketball leagues for the Matteson Parks and Recreation Department.

"For the past seven years, I was able to work as an assistant coach at Rich South," Parham said. "I realized this is what I wanted to do, so I went to Governors State to earn my teaching degree. For the past two years, I've been the sophomore coach and this past season we had a 20-4 record and won the SICA South title.

"I want to thank Rich South for giving me the opportunity to grow as a coach and prepare for this head coaching position."

Parham has his Olympians competing in leagues and tournaments at Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago and Moody Bible.

"Our kids are getting tested and building character," Parham said.

In another Rich Central basketball appointment, Bryan Craig has been elevated to lead the girls' program. The Simeon High School and Lewis University graduate has been an assistant coach for the past four seasons.

"We will be playing an upbeat tempo of basketball," Craig promised. "I want our girls to be stronger, faster and more mentally ready for the long season. We're working hard during the summer. I want our beat team to be playing all of the time."