One of Central Indiana’s Class 4A high school boys basketball coaching jobs is open.
Drew Schauss, who led Avon to a 54-45 record in four seasons, told the returning players on Monday he was leaving to take a still-to-be-announced position. Schauss declined to share that destination until it becomes official but said Tuesday the move had nothing to do with how he felt about Avon.
“I love Avon, love the athletic department and love our kids,” Schauss said. “It was not an easy decision by any means. We built a really solid program and sent a lot of kids to college, whether they are playing college basketball or not. It was a tough decision that kept me up a couple of nights without sleeping, but I really feel like it is the best move for our family.”
Schauss led Avon to steady progress in his four seasons, going 15-11 in 2023-24 with the program’s first sectional championship in five years. Last year, the Orioles went 20-4 and were ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 4A before losing to Brownsburg in the sectional.
Schauss, 34, said the toughest part of taking the new job was telling the players. The Orioles’ top two scorers last season were juniors Keriawn Berry — a Junior Indiana All-Star — Jedidiah Minnett. The 6-5 Berry is one of the top prospects in the state with offers from Ball State, Butler, Coastal Carolina, Indiana State, LaSalle, Murray State, North Texas, Rhode Island, Saint Louis, Southern Illinois, Toledo and Wright State
“Regardless of how good the kids are, it’s tough,” Schauss said. “I love those kids and have a built a lot of relationships with them. The kids who are sophomores now were sixth graders when I got here and I’ve seen them grow from middle school kids into high school players. It’s a talented team. We played really well in Ohio (the weekend before last). From the first weekend of June at Purdue to the Charlie Hughes (Shootout) to Ohio, they really improved. It’s a different team than we had last year with some different strengths, but it helps when you have two senior leaders with bright futures.”
There are elements of his new position that go beyond basketball, which he relayed to the Avon team and administration. He believes with athletic director Jason Young in charge, Avon athletics will continue to progress in an upward trajectory.
“Jason Young pours his heart and soul into Avon,” Schauss said. With the new weight room and strength and speed coaches, I think everything is going in the right direction for Avon to continue to reach new heights with a supportive administration and great AD. My leaving has nothing to do with my thoughts on Avon. It’s a great place to be. I just knew this opportunity may not come around again, even though the timing stinks because it is July.”
Schauss said he could speak about his new position later this week.
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. Get IndyStar’s high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘Not an easy decision.’ Boys basketball coach Drew Schauss leaving Avon for new job
Reporting by Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
