EUSTIS, Fla. – Wesley Nino Green, the head coach of Eustis High School’s basketball team, has been named the Lake & Sumter County Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to the state semifinals for the first time since 2008. Green, a graduate of Eustis High School, has come full circle, giving back to the same community that helped shape his dreams.

(Coach Green celebrates with his coaching staff after delivering the first Regional Final win for Eustis High since 2008. They will now play for a State Championship next week.)

Under Green’s leadership, Eustis High has experienced a resurgence in basketball, bringing the program back into the spotlight. His dedication to mentorship and player development has not only yielded success on the court but has also positively impacted the lives of young athletes in Lake and Sumter counties.

His influence as both as a coach and as a leader in the community cannot be understated. His unwavering commitment to his players and his strong connection to his alma mater have made him a beloved figure in Eustis.

In a heartfelt social media post, Coach Green expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey. “I just be thankful for it all. Thankful for the help along the way, rather it was BIG or SMALL. Thank YOU!!! I’m appreciative of you, I hope this message finds you & your family in GREAT HEALTH, mentally, physically & emotionally.”

(Coach Nino Green and his team celebrate as the clock ticks down to zero during the FHSAA Class 4A Regional Championship game which they would win 56-50 against Atlantic High.)

Green’s involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) highlights his dedication to instilling strong values in his players. Known for his positive messages, he continues to inspire not just his team but the entire Eustis community.

Beyond his coaching accolades, Green has also taken the time to acknowledge those who have helped him along the way. He credited key figures like Coy J. Patterson Sr., Bradley Douglas, William Perry, Sean Cummings, Maxie Monroe II, Jabari Dunham, John Chuck Potts, Christian Jabbour, and many others for their unwavering support in his journey.

(Coach Green is more than just a coach in the community he is a life mentor and has helped countless individuals beyond the court.)

A special thanks went to his father for his role in developing the young athletes at Eustis. Green called him the “Godfather of Eustis Basketball,” emphasizing how deeply his family’s influence runs through the program. He also credited his mother, Hersina Green, for the sacrifices she made, from cooking meals for the players to long car rides during their early years.

As the Panthers prepare for their next challenge, the FHSAA Class 4A semifinals, it will be a huge task for the players, coach Green and his staff. Eustis High will play against Gibbs High School on March 4th at 7pm. Gibbs is the #10 ranked team in Florida and #1 in the bracket. Eustis is ranked #49 in the state and come into the game 21-8 on the season. For Eustis High School getting to the State Semifinals is a huge accomplishment. But now the Panthers will look to play spoiler to Gibbs who come in 26-4 on the year.

Congratulations to coach Green and his amazing staff and players this season. Thank you for the support this team has had all season long. The Eustis fanbase is among the most passionate in Central Florida. That goes for all of our fanbases. Lake & Sumter County is an amazing place to raise a family and we are thrilled that four basketball teams are going to be represented in Lakeland.

Wildwood Girls, Leesburg Boys and The Villages Boys will also be in semifinal contests. Good luck to them all.