The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, spotlighting two basketball coaches whose careers have been defined by family ties, unwavering faith, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Family Foundations and Faithful Guidance
Mike McConathy credits his father, John McConathy, a former Northwestern star and NBA draft pick, as a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, while Dewain Strother extends his legacy by mentoring his own daughter and grandchildren, weaving personal devotion into every practice.
Both mentors have turned their programs into powerhouses: McConathy’s Northwestern teams captured three Southland Conference Tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament berths, and Strother transformed Florien High School into a six‑state‑championship dynasty, amassing 1,235 victories.
Education as a Cornerstone
McConathy boasts a 90 percent graduation rate among his players, insisting that a degree is the true measure of success. Strother, after a brief two‑year retirement, returned to Florien as an assistant coach, reinforcing the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom.
Their shared emphasis on humility and community service resonates throughout Louisiana, where former players often return to coach youth leagues and support local schools, perpetuating a culture of mentorship that began on the hardwood.