BRISTOL, Va. – It seemed like old times for Jason Stevens.
He stepped on the floor of the Bearcat Den with an air of confidence, then began offering instructions and encouragement.
The first-year head coach of the Virginia High boys basketball team knows something about leadership.
Stevens, 34, was a three-year starter at point guard for the Bearcats under former coach Mike Cartolaro.
Stevens, who coached VHS junior varsity team last season, was tabbed as the head coach on an interim basis in early October.
While he has no previous coaching experience on the varsity level, Stevens has worked with youth and AAU basketball programs for nearly 14 years.
“This is a dream come true,” said Stevens, who works full-time in the insurance business. “I never imagined myself in this position, but I’m very excited and can’t wait to get started.”
As for his coaching style, Stevens plans to draw off the experiences he had as a player at VHS. The intense Cartolaro is a role model.
Cartolaro, who has earned an array of honors, serves as the head coach of Altavista High School in central Virginia.
“Coach Cartolaro was the first person I called after I got this job,” Stevens said. “I told Mike I needed some help, and he was there for me.”
From player relations to the basics of pressure defense, Stevens said he has gleaned much from his mentor.
“I went to Altavista a few weeks ago to see Mike, and it was impressive to see all those championship banners on the gym wall,” Stevens said. “Coach Cartolaro demands a lot, and he gets results. A person like that rubs off on you.”
The style of Bearcats under Stevens will remind veteran Bearcat fans of Cartolaro teams: The defense will be man-to-man, and the offense will be up-tempo.
“We’re going to play all-out in every game,” Stevens said. “I think the kids are buying into that approach. I dare say they are working harder than they ever have.”
Carlos Lee coached Stevens in basketball at the middle school. According to Lee, the same qualities that made Stevens a reliable point guard will serve him well as a head coach.
“In addition to being a good shooter, Jason was a good competitor and very intelligent floor leader,” Lee said. “Jason has always been around basketball and he knows the game. I think he will do a good job as a coach.”
Stevens knows success. He played centerfield on Virginia High’s 1992 Group AA state championship baseball team and was on the last Bearcat basketball team to beat rival Tennessee High.
“It’s going to take a while to build things up, but we’ve got a lot of athletes here and one of the nicest gyms in the entire area,” Stevens said.
“We just have to get those athletes on the basketball court and generate more support around the community.”
As if he needed more motivation, Stevens pointed to the state championship banners for VHS baseball around the Bearcat Den.
“I remember that we were expected to win when we walked on the field in baseball at Virginia High,” Stevens said. “My goal is to create that same attitude for our basketball program.
“The last time Virginia High won a state championship in basketball was 1927. That’s too long.”
Though he has the title of interim coach, Stevens is eager to make a lasting impression.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Stevens said. “I’m honored to have this position. I’d love to be here for the next 20 years and build a dynasty in the process.”
agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544
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