CENTERVILLE, Ohio — The Centerville Elks are no stranger to the state final four- they’ve made it this far in the past three seasons. But this year is extra special, as the head coach will coach his son for the last time.
What You Need To Know
- Gabe Cupps grew up on the Centerville basketball bench, with his dad, Brook, as the coach
- Now, Gabe is a senior and soaking in the final stretch of the tournament coached by his dad
- The father-son duo has been to the state final four three years in a row, winning it all in 2021
- Both Gabe and Brook say winning it all this year would be extra sweet
Gabe Cupps grew up around Centerville basketball. That’s because his dad, Brook, is the coach for the Elks. Now, Gabe is a senior and playing his final high school action under his father before heading to play for the Cream and Crimson of Indiana University next year.
Gabe Cupps shoots ahead of practice (Spectrum News/Katie Kapusta)
“I don’t really know anything else,” Gabe said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what else is out there, but at the same time, me and my dad have built our relationship around basketball and off the time we’ve spent together through it. So I think it will be pretty emotional when it’s our last time.”
Gabe says his dad isn’t an emotional guy, but Brook got choked up when he started talking about their incredible run together nearing the end.
Brook Cupps shows a smile during practice ahead of the final four (Spectrum News/Katie Kapusta)
“It’s pretty easy to think back to him being the annoying little kid in the huddles, just talking all the time and trying to give ideas and stuff when he’s ten years old, telling us what we should be doing,” Brook said. “To now where he’s making all of those decisions and him running a ton of that stuff. He’s as Centerville basketball as you can get. It’s who we are and who we have been the last few years. I’m definitely proud of him.”
The fact that Gabe has a chance to win another state title under his dad this time as a senior- is something Gabe’s envisioned.
“It’s definitely something I think about all the time,” Gabe said. “Just to be able to go out on that high of a note and kind of leave that lasting impact on the program, I think would be super cool.”
Gabe said winning the title two years ago was special, but a win this year would be even better.
Gabe Cupps (left) and his dad and coach Brook embrace after winning the state championship in 2021 (Spectrum News)
“When we won it sophomore year, that was up there for the most emotional I’ve seen him,” Gabe said. “I think this one will carry that same kind of meaning.”
As his dad coaches Gabe in practice for the last few times, he knows it’s not all about the wins and losses, but a win would certainly be the cherry on top.
“The investment that not only he’s made but the guys that are with him have made, I think it’s going to be special no matter what,” Brook said.
