By LARRY HILLIARDLedger Sports Editor

Mark Huff

Gaffney boys’ basketball coach Mark Huff is in a class by himself.

At least his fellow coaches think so.

For the second time in three years, Huff has been named the boys’ basketball “Coach of the Year” by the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association.

Huff captured the award in 2003 after leading the Indians to a perfect 28-0 record and the first of their three straight Class 4A state championships.

Huff will receive this year’s award at the annual South Carolina coaches clinic on Sunday, July 24.

“It’s an honor because it is coming from your fellow coaches,” Huff said. “Your fellow coaches pick you and that is what makes it special.”

Coaches are nominated before the final selection is made by the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Board of Directors.

Huff has also been named the coach of the year by his fellow region coaches, the South Carolina Sports Report and the District II basketball officials.

Huff was never better last season. Despite losing several starters, including all-state forwards and 20-point a game scorers Sidney Rice and AZ Reid, he still guided the Indians to a 27-1 mark and state title.

Huff and the Indians have posted an incredible 81-3 mark the last three years.