MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s not every day you get to work with someone you’ve looked up to your entire career. On Sunday, Trinity Christian coach Mike Baldy will learn what it feels like.
Baldy will head the North squad during the Girls’ North-South All-Star Basketball Classic, which will tip-off at 4 p.m. at East Fairmont. He will be joined on the sideline by Williamstown coach Fred Sauro, a man Baldy describes as his idol.
“Fred is an absolute legend in the coaching world and I look forward to spending time with and learning everything I can from him,” he said. “I hope to do what he’s done at Williamstown at Trinity — he builds great relationships with players, works with his youth feeders, and is a knowledgeable and creative X’s and O’s guy.”
Baldy has built a relationship with Sauro during previous interactions and is excited to expand upon it and learn from him in a game situation.
“I talk to Fred weekly throughout the season. He’s a guy I can call for advice, support, or just a simple scouting report,” Baldy said.
Baldy will also get the chance to see off one of his athlete’s in her final high school appearance, as Trinity senior Reagan Sharp was selected to join the North roster.
“It’s a huge honor to be selected to play with and against some of the best players in the state,” Sharp said. “I’ve gotten to play against many of them over the past four years, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to get to know them all better and spend the last game of my high school career alongside them.”
“Going into this game, I’m thrilled to be able to compete at a high level and hopefully have fun at the same time. I’m excited to have the opportunity to participate.”
While the chance to work alongside Sauro is an exciting experience, Baldy also appreciates getting to see Sharp take the hardwood for the last time at this level.
“I’m excited to coach Reagan for the last time wearing that number 15 Trinity jersey,” he said.
Sharp will continue her career collegiately at Davis and Elkins this upcoming season, and she hopes the experience during Sunday’s game helps prepare her for that next step.
“I hope to be able to gain experience playing at a higher level that will carry with me for throughout the next four years while forming friendships and making memories that last a lifetime,” she said.
