Once you’ve won a state championship there’s only one way to go is down, the saying goes. But Hall-Dale girls basketball coach Brandon Terrill doesn’t see it that way.

“The head coach’s No. 1 job is to create a program kids want to be a part of,” Terrill said.

In just his second year as head coach, Terrill led the Bulldogs to the Class C state championship, their first since 1986. Not only have he and his staff generated interest among the players, but fans pack the gym for every home game.

“It’s been a two-year process,” Terrill said of buzz surrounding the Bulldogs. “I think we’ve done a pretty good job creating a program girls want to be a part of.”

For his efforts Terrill has been named Kennebec Journal Girls Basketball coach of the Year. Also considered was Richmond coach Molly Bishop.

Despite graduating nine seniors from last year’s 15-5 team, Terrill thought his team would contend for a title this season. He did have two returning all-stars in center Taylor Massey and guard Carylanne Wolfington, but the team’s success went further than that.

“I think we had a lot of players who embraced their role whatever it was,” Terrill said.

Terrill’s goals for the season are always the same: Make the playoffs and win the sportsmanship award. The Bulldogs did both this season. Terrill’s players reflect his calm demeanor on the sidelines and stay cool under pressure.

“I can only remember one time in two years he yelled at us,” Wolfington said. “And even then it wasn’t very loud.”

Terrill makes sure his players are well-prepared. He writes scouting reports for all the team’s games, among them Hall-Dale’s 54-38 win against Washington Academy in the state championship game.

“I love having him as a coach,” Wolfington said. “It really means a lot he puts so much into our team. He has a scouting report for every game. Some of them are five pages long and he has quotes at the end.”

Terrill said the length and detail come from his football and teaching background.

“It’s a combination of being a football coach,” he said of the detail. It’s a bit of a carryover from that. I write out pretty extensive reports, especially for big games.

“Being an English teacher they get pretty lengthy.”

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com