Two-way standout Coleman becomes ‘local celebrity’ while leading Waubonsie Valley to 31 wins

Waubonsie Valley basketball coach Andrew Schweitzer remembers one of the first times he saw Tyreek Coleman on a basketball court.

“It was my first year here,” said Schweitzer. “There was this athletic kid in our summer camp who had recently moved here from Kentucky.

“I didn’t know what we had.”

Four years later, Schweitzer — and the rest of the state’s high school basketball coaches and players — have gotten to know Coleman quite well.

Coleman, who helped lead the Warriors to a dominating 58-6 record the past two seasons, has been named the captain of the Daily Herald’s DuPage County All-Area boys basketball team for the 2024-2025 season.

During Schweitzer’s first year as head coach in 2021-2022, Coleman spent the season on the Warriors’ freshman team.

“He had a good year,” said the coach. “I thought that was promising.”

As a sophomore, Coleman was a starter on a varsity team that experienced its share of ups and downs, finishing 15-16 and reaching the Class 4A regional finals before losing to Bolingbrook.

“It was my second year (as head coach), and I was still learning,” said Schweitzer. “I overscheduled. We played a lot of strong nonconference teams (Bolingbrook, Lockport, Glenbrook South, St. Patrick, Marian Catholic, Conant, Moline), in addition to our already tough DuPage Valley Conference schedule.”

Last season, Coleman excelled as the Warriors won their first 23 games before going on to capture the DVC title and first 4A regional crown since 2019 during a 27-3 campaign that ended with a 41-28 sectional semifinal loss to Downers Grove North.

It marked Waubonsie Valley’s most wins in 21 years since the 2001-2002 team finished 28-2.

This season, Coleman raised his game to another level, as the 6-foot-2 senior point guard averaged 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game during the Warriors’ record-breaking 31-3 showing which included the school’s first back-to-back regional titles since 2007-2008, and first back-to-back conference championships.

“We played through him a lot as a junior, so we wanted to highlight his talents during his senior year,” said Schweitzer. “We tailored the offense around him — and Moses (Wilson), too.”

Waubonsie Valley got off to another great start, capturing the Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs last December with a 66-59 semifinal victory over Barrington before defeating Crystal Lake South, 69-47, in the finals behind Coleman’s 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

In early January, Coleman tallied a team-high 24 points, including the game-winning free throw with no time left during the Warriors’ 49-48 win over rival Neuqua Valley in Naperville.

“I wasn’t too nervous because I got fouled shooting a three,” said Coleman. “It might have been different had I missed the first free throw, but I was settled in.”

Six days later, Coleman topped the 1,000-point career mark in his team’s 11-point victory over Stevenson.

Later that month, the Warriors’ 22-game winning streak ended following a 65-56 nonconference loss to Marist despite Coleman’s 24 points.

“I was determined not to let the loss bother us,” he said.

In February, Coleman scored a game-high 25 points while helping the Warriors play suffocating defense during their 53-37 victory over Neuqua Valley.

After the game, longtime Wildcats coach Todd Sutton said he planned to vote for Coleman as the state’s Mr. Basketball.

“I saw the article,” said Coleman. “Neuqua has an awesome coaching staff, and we always had great matchups with them. It was great entertainment for others to watch.”

The following game, Coleman recorded a double-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists during Waubonsie’s 66-57 win over Naperville North.

“Tyreek is more than just a scorer,” said Schweitzer. “He’s one of the best rebounding guards I’ve ever seen. He took on more of a leadership role this season. Opposing teams did their best to prevent his touches, face-guarding and double-teaming him — trying to be physical with him.

“If he grabbed the rebound, he was off to the races.”

“It was easier playing with the other offensive weapons we had,” said Coleman. “There were four other guys on the court all capable of getting buckets.”

That group included talented 6-5 senior guard/forward Wilson, classmate Josh Tinney, and sophomore Kris Mporokoso.

“Playing with Moses was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Coleman. “We were lucky to experience the run we did. He’s my right-hand man. We train together and hang together. He made the game easier for me.”

After home games, autograph-seeking kids often greeted Coleman.

“He was like a local celebrity,” said Schweitzer. “He handled it like a seasoned pro. Tyreek is very humble — and his game is special.”

Coleman finished on the school’s top five career list in steals (168, first), assists (279, fourth), and points scored (1,334, fifth).

He’ll leave Waubonsie with long-lasting memories.

“I’ll remember the 31-win season and stacking winning streaks,” he said. “I’ll remember celebrating in the locker room after winning the first regional against Plainfield North last year.

“The things I’ll remember most are the bus rides and practicing every day with all your friends. While we fell short of the ultimate goal — a state championship (sectional semifinal loss to eventual state champion Benet Academy) — it was a great ride.”

Next season, Coleman will take his game to Illinois State, a decision he made prior to the season.

“It made things miles easier for me,” he said. “I could focus solely on the basketball side of things. I think it’s the best fit for me.”

Schweitzer feels Coleman is just getting his feet wet.

“Tyreek is still young —- he’ll still be 17 when he goes to Illinois State,” said the coach. “At the collegiate level, he could average 7-8 assists per game with the added space on the court.

“He’s 6-2 with a 6-7 wingspan, and he’s freakishly athletic. I think he’ll be a point guard at the next level, but he can play off the ball as well in a combo role.”

Schweitzer already realizes things will be different next season without Coleman.

“That brainstorming process has already begun,” said the coach. “It’ll be a major adjustment. When you have a very good point guard, it makes everything easier.

“It has been a true blessing.”