Taron Smith, a former South View Middle School coach, has been named the new boys' varsity basketball coach at Westover, taking over a program that finished last season with an 8‑17 record.
Smith arrives with a winning pedigree, having guided his middle‑school team to a 14‑1 record the previous year, and he brings a playing background that includes stints at Southern Wayne and roots in Mount Olive.
His coaching philosophy centers on defense and physical basketball, a style he says reflects the gritty culture he hopes to cement within the Westover roster.
Emphasizing Defense and Discipline
Smith plans to implement a defensive scheme that prioritizes communication, rebounding and forcing turnovers, while also encouraging players to embrace a disciplined, hard‑working mindset on and off the court.
Despite the team's recent struggles, Smith believes the existing toughness of the players provides a solid foundation for a turnaround, and he is confident that his leadership can steer the squad back into playoff contention in his debut season.
The coach also notes that his own experiences under influential mentors have shaped his approach, and he intends to pass those lessons on to a new generation of Westover athletes.