Former coach 'blindsided' as Heritage Christian changes boys basketball coaches days before season

A little more than a week before the official start date of high school boys’ basketball practice, Heritage Christian is making a coaching change.Tre Granger, who was going into his fourth season as coach at Heritage Christian, said he was not given a reason for getting let go, just that the school “wanted to go in another direction.” Granger and junior varsity coach Chris Roberts were removed from their positions “effective immediately” according to a message from the Heritage Christian athletic department to boys’ basketball players and families sent Thursday.“After careful consideration, we have determined that a change in leadership will best support the future direction of our boys’ basketball program,” athletic director Stephanie Gillett wrote in the email. “At Heritage, we remain committed to building a program that emphasizes athletic excellence, character development, and Christ-centered discipleship. These priorities will continue to guide our approach to athletics and our investment in student-athletes.”In the email, Gillett stated associate athletic director Aaron Larson will take over as interim boys’ basketball coach and thanked Granger and Roberts for their time at Heritage Christian.“We are confident in his ability to provide leadership while helping us chart a positive path forward for the program and our next varsity coach,” Gillett wrote of Larson.In a message to IndyStar, Granger said he was “blindsided” by the decision.“Nothing unethical was done, no rules were broken,” Granger said. “Only explanation was they wanted to go in another direction.”In response to a request for comment, Gillett said late Friday morning that she expected a statement forthcoming from the school.Granger, an assistant at Lawrence Central prior to taking the position at Heritage Christian, was 32-38 in three seasons with the Eagles. Heritage Christian was 12-12 last season and brings back three senior guards: Austin Wilhite, Carter Gallion and Ethan Laskey. The Eagles open the season Nov. 24 at home against Columbus North.Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former coach 'blindsided' as Heritage Christian changes boys basketball coaches days before season