Mike Kilgore named Bootheel Conference Coach of the Year, Players honored

MALDEN, Mo. - Green Wave basketball head coach Mike Kilgore was named Bootheel Conference Coach of the year.

"Southeast Missouri basketball is rich in tradition," Kilgore said. "To be considered part of that richness that represents this state is pretty awesome."

Kilgore coached the Green Wave to a 5-0 Bootheel Conference record.

Malden Green Wave basketball team 2023-2024Photo provided.

The Green Wave basketball program was 21-6 overall this season.

"I am very excited for our team and player accomplishments," Kilgore said. "This was a hard season to prepare for.

Left, Malden Green Wave guard and Bootheel Conference Player of the Year Quamareous Farmer; top right, the Green Wave's All Conference, All District center Marcus Burton; and bottom right, Malden High School's All Conference, All District guard Payton Woodard.Photo provided

"We had to be prepared to play our best basketball every night against some of the best teams in the state," he continued.

Malden Green Wave All Conference, All District center Marcus Burton.Photo provided.

The Green Wave won the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament championship title; Bootheel Conference regular season and Tournament championship honors; and was C3D1 runner up.

In addition, Malden players Marcus Burton, Payton Woodard and Quamareous Farmer were named both All-Bootheel Conference and All District Players.

Malden Green Wave guard and Bootheel Conference Player of the Year Quamareous Farmer.Photo provided

Also, Farmer was awarded Bootheel Conference Player of the Year honors.

Malden Green Wave All Conference, All District guard Payton WoodardPhoto provided

"I owe our departing seniors everything," Kilgore noted. "Without their experience and leadership for this team, we would not have been on the positive side of the conversation of Missouri basketball."

Bootheel Conference Coach of the Year Mike Kilgore schools a player.Photo provided

Kilgore said his next goal is enjoying March Madness.

"Once college basketball season is over, I'll have my pencil and notebook ready to find ways to continue the process of restoring the Malden Green Wave basketball program," he added. "After a little success, the hype can never outshine the work."