New coaches add to summer league hype

By jose negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

In three seasons as coach at Vincentian Academy, Tim Tyree built an impressive resume, winning more than 60 games along with a pair of WPIAL championships. 

The Royals played in three WPIAL title games while under Tyree’s guidance and finished second in the state in 2019. 

Tyree’s tenure at the Catholic school ended with a state playoff loss in March as it was announced a month prior that the school was closing its doors. 

A new door has opened for Tyree, however, as the Monessen native will begin coaching in the Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League later this month. 

Tyree will coach BeeGraphix in the boys division and will have the No. 1 overall pick in the June 22 draft. 

“I’m definitely excited to come on board and join the league, especially during a year in which there has been a lot of down time (due to the COVID-19 pandemic),” Tyree said. “Hopefully I can bring some energy and a young mindset. Being a Valley kid, I feel like I can relate to the kids and make it fun.” 

Bringing his championship pedigree to BeeGraphix, Tyree hopes he can help his players improve throughout the summer as well. 

“We want to get in there and make sure the kids are getting better,” Tyree added. “I was one of those kids not too long ago, so to be in a position to push some of the kids in the Valley, it’s near and dear to my heart.” 

While the addition of Tyree undoubtedly adds to the hype and excitement surrounding the league, he’s not the only key addition to the league’s coaching staff. 

Tyree is one of four new coaches in the boys division, joining South Allegheny assistant coach Vada Epps (Elite Physical Therapy), McKeesport head coach Kevin Kovach (Union Cleaners) and Elizabeth Forward head coach Matt Loftis (Howard Hanna-Wilson Baum). 

MVI co-owner and league founder Naz Victoria (Campy’s Pizza) and boys division commissioner Dana Zajicek (Farmers Insurance) return as coaches. 

“I’m very excited to be coaching in the Mon Valley Independent Summer League,” Loftis said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with some other kids in the area and have some of my players hear a different voice on the court. I also think it will be a high level of competition.” 

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