GIRLS BASKETBALL: Kentwood’s Hennig steps down

  • BY Wire Service
  • Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:08pm
  • Sports
Keith Hennig announced Tuesday that he was stepping down from coaching Kentwood's girls basketball team. Hennig guided the Conquerors to their first state title on March 7.

Keith Hennig announced Tuesday that he was stepping down from coaching Kentwood's girls basketball team. Hennig guided the Conquerors to their first state title on March 7.

They reached the top of the prep basketball world just a few weeks ago.

But Monday evening, Kentwood girls basketball coach Keith Hennig and wife Wendy, the team’s assistant, announced they were stepping away from the program after six years.

The demands of raising two young children – 3-year-old Trevor and 1-year old Brady – along with working full time and coaching one of the state’s elite programs wasn’t easy and factored into the decision to step down, Keith admitted.

“It’s tough for a family,” said Keith, who noted that he and his wife had made the decision before the season began. “Sometimes we’re getting to bed at 10 o’clock and we find ourselves going through McDonald’s at 9:30 at night … it’s tough for kids this age. You throw in two people who are working full-time jobs and it really stretched both of us at both ends.

“It was really tough decision. Wendy and I have put a lot of time and effort into this program. I think we did it the right way.”

Indeed. Because in six years, the Hennigs guided the Conquerors to a 136-25 overall record, four straight South Puget Sound League North Division titles, two district crowns and two top-three finishes at state.

But the capper came on March 7, when Kentwood knocked off Snohomish 60-47 for the Class 4A state championship. The win culminated a 28-1 campaign and was Kentwood’s first-ever state championship on the girls basketball court.

It was the perfect finish.

“I guess if you plan to go out … you couldn’t script a better ending for leaving,” Keith said. “On the same end, we know there’s a heck of a lot of talent in this program.”

Finding a replacement isn’t going to be an easy task, Kentwood athletic director JoAnne Daughtry noted.

“It’s going to be really hard. Especially considering Auburn Riverside, Sumner, Lindbergh, Kent-Meridian and Steilacoom just in the last week are looking for girls basketball coaches,” Daughtry lamented. “He’s done an amazing job … it’s a huge loss to our program and to our school.”


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Sports

Graphic provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentwood

Dayna Vi (Jr.) wrestling and Brandon Tagle (Jr.) basketball take home this weeks awards.

Kentwood’s Jessica Ajayi dribbles the ball up the floor. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood girls basketball drops fourth straight

Team falls to Riverside for first time since 2017. Head Coach Jordan Nero: ‘We’ll find a way, we always do.’

t
Hundreds participate in Kent Christmas Rush run/walk

Seattle’s Nathan Morrisson wins 10K; Kent’s Travis Houser captures 5K

Graphic provided by KSD.
Kent Reporter Athlete of the Week: Kentridge

Genesis Miller (Flag Football) and Gio Moimoi (Basketball) take home this weeks award.

Veronica Garcia gives an interview after winning the 2A girls 400-meter final at the 2024 Washington State Championships at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma. (Screenshot from Runnerspace.com video)
Proposals seek new rules for transgender athletes in WA schools

Other proposals target student-athlete transfer rules and girls flag football.

Tyanna Sims drives to the basket against Auburn in the loss. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Trojans sweep aside Kentwood in doubleheader

Both boys and girls basketball teams lose to Auburn in NPSL opening play.

Kentridge girls soccer surprised the three signees at Kentridge. Photo provided by @ETDPI on Instagram.
National Signing Day for Kentridge | Photos

Four Chargers offically signed to play college sports.

Graphic provided by Kent School District.
Athlete of the Week for Nov. 22: Kentwood

Nick Greutman (tennis) and Rowan Parsons (swim and dive) take home this weeks honors.

Kentridge senior Sierra Wallace dribbles the ball against Woodinville. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentridge girls soccer falls 4-0 in state

Chargers make round of eight for second time ever and run into Woodinville buzzsaw.

Senior running back Antoine Lee avoids a Trojan defender early in the game against Auburn. Ben Ray / The Reporter
4A NPSL all-league football teams announced

Kentwood’s Antoine Lee named Offensive Player of the Year.

Photo provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentridge

Addison Stendera and Riley Tricas take home this weeks awards.

Makenna Bennett in action against Tahoma back on Oct. 22 at Kentridge. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentridge girls soccer advances to state

Chargers make state for second consecutive year, take on Wenatchee.