KING OF THE COURT

THE READERS' PICKS

In Southeast Missouri, where even the smallest high schools have basketball teams, coaches wield tremendous power.

They can be the most beloved or despised people in their communities. They determine where thousands spend Friday evenings. They have more influence on many boys and girls than the players' own parents.

And the best coaches become a part of area history, their names and records spoken with amazement and admiration decades after their careers end.

But what makes a great basketball coach? Why do some teams thrive under one and flounder under another? And why do some see success no matter where they go?

James Haney, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, says the standouts among his 5,000-member organization have the same traits.

They're teachers. They're leaders. They're active in the community. And they're advocates of integrity.

"We happen to call those people 'guardians of the game,' " Haney said.

The Southeast Missourian spent days with three diverse high school coaches -- one who retired with an 83 percent win record, one who took teams from two high schools to the state championship and one up-and-comer who revived a program -- and their players and friends to discover what makes them great.

THE READERS' PICKS

An informal semissourian.com Web poll two weeks ago showed who readers admired as "the best prep boys coach in the region" among active coaches. More than 500 votes were cast. The results:

Jim Bidewell, Portageville -- 31%

Derek McCord, Scott City -- 28%

Lennies McFerren, NMCC -- 20%

Jim Hall, Advance -- 7 %

Others - 14%