Meet Mike LeDuc: Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year from Damien
Mike LeDuc Named Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year After Leading Damien to State Championship
After a distinguished coaching career beginning in the 1979-80 season, Mike LeDuc has solidified his legacy as one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in state history. With 1,127 victories, he ranks as the second-winningest coach in the state. This season, he guided the Damien Spartans to the state Division I championship, showcasing his ability to thrive with a team that emphasized three-point shooting and relentless defense.
Under LeDuc’s leadership, the Spartans, though lacking in size, executed their game plan near flawlessly throughout their playoff run, culminating in a victory at the Golden 1 Center. He praised his team of “overachievers,” earning him the title of The Times’ boys’ basketball coach of the year.
Throughout his expansive coaching tenure at Damien and previously at Glendora, LeDuc has mentored several notable players, including Tracy Murray, Casey Jacobsen, and Cameron Murray. Now, he finds himself in a full-circle moment as Cameron’s son, CJ, plays for Damien. This connection highlights LeDuc’s enduring impact on the sport and his community.
As basketball evolves, LeDuc continues to adapt. He remains grounded by his fundamental philosophy: “Basketball is a real simple game. It’s a game of repetition and if you do it over and over, you expect it to be done perfectly.” His commitment to this approach has shaped not only the players he coaches but the future of high school basketball in the region.
