For many in the Metro area, it hard to imagine Basehor-Linwood without Mike McBride on the sideline.

But next year, that's what the Bobcats will encounter, as McBride announced his retirement as the head basketball coach at BLHS.

McBride, who started at Basehor-Linwood in 2004-2005, turned Basehor-Linwood into a perennial state power regardless of the class level. With a 337-131 career mark in 21 years at BLHS (438 career wins), the Bobcats won Kansas Class 4A state titles in 2009 and 2012, a likely title in 2020, along with an undefeated run halted in the state title game in 2015. 

"I wouldn't have thought when I started, they'd let me coach that long," reflected McBride. "Basehor-Linwood is such a great community that support its school and our teams, and I was fortunate to have so many great players and families over the years."

Among the notable wins included the 2012 state title thriller, 56-52, over Ottawa and standout Semi Ojeleye. McBride also got to coach his two sons, Trevor and Breckin, during his tenure.

"It was special to be able to coach sons of so many families in Basehor and watch them grow up, but also my own two boys. I felt that after 21 years that it was time to take a break and focus on my health and family and hopefully the next coach will do great things at Basehor-Linwood."