Days after former UNC guard Jeff McInnis leaves, Combine Academy names its next coach
Days after Jeff McInnis announced he was leaving nationally ranked Combine Academy, the Goats have found their next head basketball coach.
Wednesday, Combine held a news conference to announce that Liberty Heights coach Michael Wright would succeed McInnis. Wright has built Liberty Heights into a regional power. His team reached the Phenom Hoops state championship game for non-association schools earlier this month, where it lost 49-47 to Combine on a buzzer-beater from Illinois-bound guard Jayden Epps. Combine also beat Liberty Heights in the 2021 state championship game.
Now Wright will coach his one-time rival.
“It is a blessing and honor to be selected to lead this prestigious organization and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity that lies ahead,” he said. “I look forward to bringing my unique vision and approach to build a culture of excellence that extends beyond the basketball court, for all of our student-athletes and staff members.”
Liberty Heights, based in Charlotte, houses players in two homes in the Lake Wylie area. Players take online classes through an accredited Florida-based academy that’s been in business for 15 years.
Combine Academy, in Lincolnton, is an accredited school that has on-campus housing and on-campus classes.
McInnis coached at Combine for three years and reached three straight Phenom Hoops state championship games, winning the past two. His teams have been ranked as high as top 10 in the nation in some polls.
Wright founded Liberty Heights six years ago and has produced five seasons with 20 or more wins and has sent more than 20 players to college on scholarship. His team — led by former Raleigh Millbrook star Silas Demary Jr. — was 31-3 this season.
“After a vigorous nationwide search, we identified the undoubtedly best candidate to take the reins of our national program,” Combine president Jonah Baize said. “Mike Wright is a proven winner who has displayed both great integrity and leadership ability over the course of his coaching career. There is no doubt in our minds that we become GEICO National Tournament contenders under his direction and leadership”
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 2:15 PM.
