Tom McKeown - Author of the Book, "This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory" - Episode 1108

Tom McKeown is the author of This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory, a classic underdog story of a high school basketball team's quest for glory and a young man's journey of growth, family, and determination. Set against the vibrant backdrop of mid-1970s Long Island, New York the book captures the excitement, challenges, and camaraderie of a small-town varsity basketball team and its dreams of triumph. Told from Tom’s vantage point in the eighth grade, he and the Village of Babylon follow their varsity basketball team, the Panthers, as they fight their way forward in hopes of claiming the first ever Long Island Championship. On this episode Mike and Tom discuss why the 1970s marked a pivotal era for basketball on Long Island, characterized by the emergence of local talents and the establishment of a championship that would forever change the landscape of high school sports in the region. This episode delves into the compelling narrative of Tom McKeown’s memoir, "This Is Panther Country," which chronicles the inspiring journey of a small-town high school basketball team striving for glory against formidable opponents. Through McKeown's perspective as a young eighth grader, we explore the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs that defined the season leading to the first-ever Long Island Championship. The discussion highlights not only the athletic prowess displayed but also the profound impact of that period on the community and the personal growth of those involved. Join us as we reflect on this extraordinary chapter in sports history, infused with the spirit of determination and the essence of youth. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Have your notebook handy as you listen to this episode with Tom McKeown, author of This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory. Website - https://www.tommckeownbooks.com/ Email – [email protected] Twitter/X - @tommckeown Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.