News Summary

Maize High School in Kansas is set for a new era as Zach Bush, a former Wichita State player, is appointed the head coach of the boys’ basketball team. Bush succeeds Chris Grill, who led the team to a state championship in 2021. With a stellar coaching background and a commitment to supporting student-athletes, Bush aims to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor. He also plans to continue coaching during the summer while returning to Wichita with his wife, both excited to be part of the Maize community as they embark on this new journey.

Exciting Times Ahead for Maize High School Basketball

Maize, Kansas is buzzing with excitement as the school gears up for its upcoming basketball season. There’s a fresh face taking over the reins of the boys’ basketball team: former Wichita State standout Zach Bush has been named the head coach, pending board approval. This move ushers in a new chapter for the Eagles, who have a rich history in the sport and are coming off a stellar run under the leadership of Chris Grill.

A Stellar Predecessor

Chris Grill, who also played for Wichita State, retired after leading the Eagles to an impressive state championship victory in 2021. With a legacy to uphold, Zach Bush understands well the shoes he has to fill. He has expressed heartfelt gratitude toward Coach Grill for establishing a strong foundation that he aims to build upon. Bush is all about supporting student-athletes, making it clear that their growth is his priority.

From Player to Coach

Zach Bush is no stranger to the basketball scene. A standout at Eisenhower, his basketball career truly took off during his five years at Wichita State from 2012 to 2017. His tenure included remarkable highlights such as key contributions to the 2013 Final Four run and a record-setting 35-1 season in 2014. After wrapping up his playing career, Bush didn’t stray far from the sport he loves and began his coaching journey.

Coaching Career on the Rise

Starting as a graduate assistant under Steve Forbes at East Tennessee State, Bush quickly made a name for himself. Later, he took on assistant coaching roles at Maize South and Andover, where he played a critical part in guiding the team to the 2023 state title. His most recent position as an assistant coach at Bellevue West in Omaha saw him lead the team to an impressive 45-9 record and another state title in 2024. It’s no wonder that his previous coaching staff regard him so highly; his skills, accountability, and genuine care for players are widely recognized attributes.

Summer Ventures

As he gears up for this new role at Maize, it’s good to know that Bush won’t be stepping away from summer basketball just yet. He plans to continue coaching the AfterShocks alumni team, where he has helped achieve an 11-4 record in a prestigious summer basketball tournament that boasts a $1 million prize. Their success includes a semifinal appearance and two quarterfinal finishes, adding to Bush’s impressive coaching resume.

Return to His Roots

This coaching decision also marks a return to Wichita for Bush and his wife, Jaylyn Agnew. Jaylyn, a former player at Creighton and an assistant coach at Andover for the past two seasons, shares in the excitement as they embark on this new adventure together. Both are looking forward to being part of the vibrant Maize community, making this a wonderful time for the couple as they settle back into the area.

Looking Forward

With Zach Bush at the helm, fans and students alike can look ahead to a promising season for the Maize high school boys basketball team. His background, passion, and connection to the local basketball culture position him uniquely to lead the Eagles into the future. There’s a palpable sense of enthusiasm coursing through the community as everyone eagerly awaits what the new season will bring.

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