Coach Agee Batts understands that basketball at Jeannette High School is about more than wins and losses. In a town where basketball tradition runs deep, Batts has embraced the responsibility of developing not only players, but young men prepared for life beyond the court.
In this exclusive Q&A with DrewSchifino.com, Coach Batts discusses leadership, accountability, the evolution of high school basketball, and what it takes to uphold the standard of one of Western Pennsylvania’s most respected programs.
For people who may not know your story, what led you into coaching basketball?
I’ve always been a leader on the court, playing the point. I was a student of the game, and I was always a listener when it came to learning the game. I was fortunate to have some great teachers of the game, and I wanted to give back through coaching.
What does it mean to be the head coach at a school with the basketball tradition of Jeannette?
Jeannette is one of the best boys basketball jobs in our area. We have a great tradition of players and coaches who came before me, and I’m so proud and fortunate to be the head coach. This will be my first and only head coaching job.
How has high school basketball changed since you first started coaching?
Wow… the game has evolved so much through AAU and personal trainers. The rules have changed a lot since I started. The physical presence is not there anymore. There are now six classifications. We only had four, which made it very competitive. Rivalries are not the same.
What do you think separates successful programs from programs that struggle year after year?
Consistency and commitment. Obviously, you have to have good players, but if they’re not committed and don’t want to be held accountable, the program will struggle.
What values do you try to instill in your players beyond basketball?
Be accountable in everything you do and hold yourself to a high standard. Don’t be afraid to do what is right.
How important is accountability in today’s generation of athletes?
It’s so important because of social media. One bad decision can change so much for today’s athletes.
What is the biggest misconception people have about coaching high school basketball?
That we only coach on Tuesday and Friday nights. Basketball is now a 12-month sport. In the past, kids took time off to do other activities. Now they go right into AAU, training, etc. We coaches are in the gym either with our youth program or our JV/varsity teams.
What challenges are coaches facing today that previous generations didn’t have to deal with?
This generation has learned that if things don’t go their way, or if the coach is tough, they can just transfer, or someone is in their ear telling them to go elsewhere. Look at college basketball—it’s bad with the transfer portal. Now it’s in high school. There’s no loyalty. Could you imagine if you left PH and went to WH? You wouldn’t have been allowed back to PH. Kids have no loyalty to each other.
How has social media changed recruiting, player development, and team culture?
Social media has its pros and cons. It can be a great tool to help kids get exposure. There are some really good trainers helping kids, and I’m all for that. If you’re posting positive energy for your program, it definitely helps the team aspect. It gives the community an opportunity to get involved and gives young players something to look forward to.
What role do parents play in a successful basketball program?
Parents are key. Their involvement, with the understanding that they are part of the basketball family, is important. They are so valuable. Successful programs have to have a team of parents who care about the program, not just their child.
What is your favorite memory as a coach so far?
Winning a WPIAL championship as the head coach at Jeannette.
Have there been any players you’ve coached who taught you something about yourself?
Absolutely. All of the point guards I’ve coached. I had to stop thinking they could see the game through my eyes. I had to learn to let them be who they are.
What advice would you give young athletes who dream of playing college basketball?
Players have to be honest with themselves. They all won’t play Division I or Division II. So go where you can play and enjoy college. College isn’t for everyone, but if you put the time in and prepare yourself, the opportunity will come. I tell my players all the time: you never know who’s watching you. It only takes one person to like you.
How do you handle adversity when a season isn’t going the way you planned?
We watch a lot of film and work on our deficiencies every day at some point during practice.
What does success look like for you beyond wins and losses?
If my guys have the opportunity to move on, either continuing with sports or pursuing career opportunities, that’s success. Sports build character and develop so many life skills.
What are your expectations for the future of Jeannette basketball?
I expect to continue our winning tradition and continue building young men. We will always strive to win championships.
When your coaching career is over, what do you hope people say about your impact on the community?
I hope they say I always treated everyone fairly and that they enjoyed watching my teams play.
Is there anything people don’t know about Coach Agee Batts that might surprise them?
I’m extremely superstitious. If I wear something new and we lose, I never wear it again. I also have never worn cross brands—you will never catch me wearing Adidas and Nike together.
Whether discussing basketball, leadership, or developing young men, Coach Agee Batts remains committed to continuing the proud tradition of Jeannette basketball. His focus extends beyond wins and losses, emphasizing character, accountability, and preparing players for success long after their final game.