Sports in Kansas 3A Girls 🏀 Coach of the Year: Derek Schutte, Halstead
Schutte led Halstead to their first ever state girls basketball title as they defeated last years champion Silver Lake, 48-45, in Hutchinson to finish 25-1 on the year. What a year it’s been for Halstead and the Schutte family. This year Halstead won the 3A Volleball Championship, and his wife, Diana, is the head coach. Senior daughter Dalaina Schutte was starting setter on volleyball team and starting forward on the basketball team. The most impressive thing about Halstead was it was a total team effort this season without any player averaging in double figure stats. Schutte is a native of Pretty Prairie, Kansas and graduated from Bethel College. Schutte is 246-176 as a head coach (Halstead 2012-current & Hodgeman County 2006-2012). He is 156-48 over the last nine seasons in elevating the Halstead program to a level it’s never seen before. “This season was a true testament to the power of selflessness and teamwork. Our players had a commitment and focus on making the right play for each other. If we needed a big basket, to make the extra pass, drive and kick to someone open, a defensive rotation, or cheer from the sideline they did it together. Every girl embraced their role and put team above individual statistics. They played hard, played fast, and had fun and I am beyond proud to have coached them.” Schutte said.