Birmingham to take reins of Royals basketball

Austin Birmingham will step in this season as the new head coach of the Twin Rivers Royals basketball team. The Royals are seen here competing in the Three Rivers College summer league tournament earlier this week.

DAR/D'Courtland Christian

BROSELEY — Twin Rivers High School wasted no time filling its head basketball coaching position for the Royals. After spending six years under longtime coach Seth McBroom, who took the coaching position at Kennett, the Royals will be under direction for next season.

Austin Birmingham will step into his new role as head coach for the 24-25 season. Birmingham has spent the past five years as the head basketball coach at Zalma High School and saw a new opportunity to continue his coaching journey.

“I came in around April, and things have been going smoothly so far,” Birmingham said. “After spending a few seasons at Zalma, I saw the opening and took a chance. I’m happy to be here and ready to get to work.”

The Royals finished with a 14-13 record from this past season, and despite their efforts, they suffered a first-round exit in the Class 3 District 1 tournament. Birmingham said the team has been doing a lot of bonding with the many tournaments in the area and it’s given him a chance to get to know them as well.

Though it’s only been a few months, Birmingham said everything is going as planned for the Royals.

“We’re doing good, and the numbers have been solid for the team,” he said. “These guys have been showing up and getting better. We’ve been working on consistency and implementing some new things. They’ve had the same coach for some time and it takes a while to get adjusted to a new system, which is understandable. I believe we’re on the right track with it being the summertime.”

When it comes to a certain system, Birmingham is all about playing tough defense. He stresses the importance of rebounding and protecting the ball. As for the offense, he said that will take care of itself if they can stick to the fundaments and not be hard on theirselves about making a bad play. All that he asks of the Royals is to compete every game and come prepared for every opponent.

The Royals will have a few key experience returners for next season, which Birmingham is grateful to have during his first season with the squad.

“We’re are pretty deep with the team we have,” Birmingham said. “Our two seniors, along with one of our sophomores, will play a big part in how we do this season. Having that varsity experience is going to be a big help. I’m looking forward to seeing how we do, but right now, we’re just working on becoming a better and closer team.”