Brian Ross was no stranger to coaching in the state’s largest classification, and based on his track record, he knew expectations would soar almost instantly when he took over at Little Rock Central during the spring of 2018. It took just two seasons for him to meet those beliefs.

After the Tigers went 9-16 and missed the playoffs in 2017-18, Central has posted winning records and clinched postseason berths i n e a c h of Ross’ seasons at the helm. In Year 2, the Ouachita Baptist University alum guided the Tigers to the state title game for the first time in 18 years, which is a proud feat for a program that’s won more basketball state championships than any other school in Arkansas.