After 13 years at the helm of Orrville’s varsity boys basketball program, Sly Slaughter announced his resignation to accept a principal position at Orrville Middle School. The move, he said, was intended to avoid distractions for both the team and his new administrative duties.
The school board quickly named Mike Huberty, a 26‑year‑old who had served as Slaughter’s assistant for the past two seasons, as the new head coach. Huberty, who previously guided the freshman squad, emphasized his deep familiarity with the program and the influence of Slaughter’s coaching philosophy on his own approach.
Huberty’s Coaching Philosophy
Huberty outlined a vision centered on building a hard‑nosed defensive identity that creates chaos on the opposite end of the floor. He also plans to leverage the team’s athleticism, using speed in transition to generate easy scoring opportunities.
Slaughter’s legacy includes four district championships, two District Coach of the Year honors, and a run to the 2010 OHSAA Division III state championship game in his rookie season. His son, Braylon Slaughter, was a key contributor during the coach’s final two seasons, adding a personal layer to the transition.