ANACONDA — As the saying goes, like father, like son.
Braxton Hill announced that he would be moving on to play football at the University of Montana after his time in Anaconda is finished. His father, Bill, also announced that his tenure as coach of the Copperheads boys basketball team is nearing its end, as well.
Hill will be retiring from coaching at the end of the season, following a five-year run in the Smelter City. In those five seasons, the Copperheads compiled a record of 50-72 in Class B. His final two-plus seasons at the helm have been much more successful, as he has led his team to a 38-22 record, including a runner-up performance at last season’s state tournament.
He released this statement to MontanaSports.com:
“When I took my varsity head coaching job five years ago, I told the superintendent and administration I would only coach for five seasons. When Braxton was done, I would retire because I wanted to watch him play college football or basketball — whichever he would be fortunate enough to play.
“This time is upon me. After the state tournament, I am officially retired as a basketball coach. I will continue to run ASA softball leagues and tournaments, including Goosetown and AAU basketball tournaments, but I am retired from coaching.
“I coached the Pick Stinks, an AAU girls team, for seven years, a team that went on to win two state championships. I also coached Big Sky Hoops, another AAU team which had 10 future Division I girls on it, including Joslyn Tinkle (Stanford), Torry Hill (Montana), Jordan Sullivan (Montana), Carly Selvig (Montana), Callie Durham (Montana State), Renee Gilham (Montana), etc.
“Coaching kids in basketball has been my life for almost 40 years and it has been a blast. Every year you learn more and more about offense and defenses, kids, parents, and that you have to change with the times or you will get buried.
“I enjoyed coaching both girls and boys, but found out girls were MUCH easier to coach. I will spend my retirement watching football and basketball, while hunting and fishing.”
Hill’s days are now limited, but he will finish his career seeking one more chance to win a Class B title.
