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Sikeston welcomes back Parker Long
SIKESTON — A familiar face from the hardwood is returning to the Sikeston Field House, but this time on the sidelines.
Parker Long, who helped lead the Bulldogs to a 52-5 record and a third-place finish in 2018, has been named an assistant coach.
“He was ready to come back to this area after graduation and fortunately, we had a position open,” said Sikeston head coach Gregg Holifield. “He’s a hard worker, very conscientious and we all know what a good player he was. He’ll do a great job and be an outstanding coach.”
Long's collegiate career began at Division II Maryville, where he earned GLVC All-Freshman Team honors in 2019-2020, leading the Saints in scoring with 13.1 points per game and setting a freshman assists record with 106. He then transferred to Division I Southeast Missouri State, appearing in 29 games over two seasons.
"I loved being at SEMO, but I had to do what was best for me and my last couple of years," Long said. "I wanted to be a point guard again, have a larger role and really make a difference for the team. I couldn't turn down that opportunity.”
That opportunity came when SEMO assistant coach Sam McMahon took the head coaching job at Missouri Southern State. Long followed, playing the next two seasons for the Lions, starting in 28 games and averaging 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his final year.
Long's decision to pursue coaching at the high school level stemmed from his belief in the profound impact coaches can have on young athletes during their formative years and was deeply rooted in his own experience.
“I love being in the gym with the guys,” Long said. “The biggest thing is helping these guys in any way I can.”
He and his twin brother, Owen, moved to Sikeston from Alabama before their junior year, seeking a basketball program that could challenge and nurture their talent.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “I had never seen everything like that, getting 3,000 fans at a game and all these people really caring about the basketball program. It dang near has that college atmosphere.”
The opportunity to be a part of a storied program under the guidance of a respected coaching staff was a major draw for Long, both then and now. But it was the influence of Holifield that proved to be the slam dunk.
"Coach Holifield was a huge inspiration for me," Long said. "He is a role model and someone I look up to. I've learned so much from him, both on and off the court. I hope I've picked up some of his coaching instincts and his ability to connect with players. I think we love basketball for the same reasons.”
In addition to his coaching duties, Long will also be teaching world history at the junior high school.
TWIN BROTHER TAKES TALENTS TO SPAIN
While Parker returns to Sikeston, his twin brother, Owen, is embarking on a new adventure in his basketball career.
He's signed with Fibwi Palma, a professional team in Palma de Mallorca, a Spanish island city known for its beaches and historic sites.
“I’m most excited and grateful to keep playing the game I love and the experiences ahead,” said Owen Long. “I’m going to one of the biggest tourism spots in the world. I’m excited to help push my basketball club to a new level and keep improving my game. This is something I’ve always dreamed about.
“I’m very grateful and appreciate of my time at Sikeston,” he continued. “Which was a massive stepping stone into being in the position I’m in today. I’m also very happy for my brother, and I think he has a bright future in coaching. Coach Holifield and [Brian] James run a special program.”
Long made 149 three-pointers over his final two seasons at Sikeston, shooting 42% from behind the arc. As a senior, he averaged 14.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, earning All-District and All-Conference honors.
He also made an immediate impact at Maryville as a freshman with a 10.6 scoring average and a team-high 46 three-pointers, including a game-winner against McKendree. His sophomore season saw him explode for 19.3 points per game, earning First-Team All-GLVC honors and scoring a career-high 39 points in a game.
Seeking a higher level of competition, Owen transferred to Division I Youngstown State, where he appeared in 30 games.
His final two seasons were spent at Emporia State. As a junior, he garnered first-team All-MIAA recognition, leading the league in made three-pointers with 91. He capped off his collegiate career with a solid senior season, averaging 15.9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and a second-team All-MIAA selection.