Keokuk brings back POY to be new boys coach

Anthony Potratz knows what it takes to succeed on the basketball court at Keokuk High School as a player. Now, he'll look to duplicate that as the new head boys basketball coach.

Potratz replaces Zach Summers, who resigned earlier this year and will remain as the activities director at the school.

During his prep days, Potratz earned Southeast Conference Player of the Year honors and was a two-time all-SEC first team selection along with being named academic all-conference. 

"We're really happy to bring Anthony back to Keokuk," Summers said. "He cares about our kids and our school, and we're confident he'll do a great job leading the basketball program."

Potratz graduated from Keokuk in 2021 before attending Simpson College. During his high school career, Potratz scored 1,131 points and helped the team win 52 games.

According to a report by Mississippi Valley Publishing, Potratz started all but one game during his four-year varsity career. He averaged a career-high 15.9 points per game as a junior when Keokuk went 16-8.

Last year, the Chiefs went 17-8, finishing second in the conference. They return Jaxon Clark, who has gained college interest from schools such as Purdue, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern and Bradley.

Clark averaged almost 23 points with 14 rebounds per game, shooting 67 percent from the field. He is the lone returning starter with regulars Bode Beagles, Chayce Smith and Mason Claus joining him.