Interesting, long, and heated thread all in one. With no direct ties to the 9th region, I still have a strong urge to say Kes Murphy is without a doubt the best coach in the 9th.
Months ago, the same people now bashing Coach Murphy for "gathering talent" were congratulating HC on an unbelievable run to the state title. Seems a bit harsh in my eyes.
The bottom line is very simple. HC has done what no other 9th region team has been able to do. Yes, they had great players, but it took time for Coach Murphy to coach that team up to being a 9th region power. From what I saw at State, his team was unbelievably disciplined on the defensive end of the floor. Each team they faced had a very difficult time scoring the basketball. That doesn't just come second nature to great athletes; that is purely coaching and he did a fantastic job all week.
There are several phenomenal coaches in the 9th region. However, if I had a daughter, I'd want her playing for the coach who I believed would develop her into a successful college player. Ultimately, Murphy is the guy who can do that. Great coach, even better person.