Quinton hires Curtis Curry as head girls basketball coach

Curtis Curry has been around for a while.

Curry — who was hired by Quinton Public Schools to replace Darren Harber as girls basketball coach — started off his career coaching as an assistant in Everman, Texas in 1988. 

He's subsequently either been a head coach or assistant coach in basketball or softball. Curry has been at Red Oak, Arnett, Arapaho, Rock Creek, LeFlore, Pocola and Cameron. 

He's also served as an administrator at Talihina and retired in that role after serving as Porum's superintendent. Curry said he's teaching this year at Heavener.

"I feel like I've still got a lot to offer and I've got a lot of energy," Curry said. 

Quinton athletic director Mechelle Jordan confirmed Curry's hiring in a text message to the News-Capital on Wednesday. He inherits a Lady Savages team that went 4-20 this past season.

Still, he thinks they are primed for success. Curry said he has watched them online and has visited with them. He thinks the players played their hearts out when he watched them and said they have good attitudes.

Curry said the Lady Savages want and are driven for success. He added they want to be led and coached, believing he has the experience and leadership skills to help them out.

He sees himself as a defensive-minded coach, but doesn't have a specific preference. Rather, he believes in running what his players are best at and buying into the defensive aspect of the game. 

Curry likes players who are students of the game. He is looking forward to spending time with members of the team and building relationships. 

He respects the members of the team who endured a four-win season and didn't quit. Curry said there's not a player on the team who was happy with winning just four games.

"Can I go in and win 20 games next year?" Curry asked. "No, probably not. Can we go in and compete every night? I think they're ready to do that."