- April 16, 2024
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Anthony Wagner is FPC's new girls basketball coach. Courtesy photo
For the first time since 2008, Flagler Palm Coast’s girls basketball team will have a new head coach on its bench.
The season doesn’t begin until Nov. 18, but new coach Anthony Wagner is getting ready to shift from off-season conditioning to preseason practice with tryouts scheduled for Oct. 25.
Wagner replaces Javier Bevacqua, who stepped down in August. Bevacqua compiled a 239-119 record in 13 seasons. His teams won four district titles and advanced to the playoffs nine times including a Final Four appearance in 2015.
Wagner, who teaches at Buddy Taylor Middle School, joined Bevaqua’s staff in mid-season last year and coached with Bevacqua through summer activities.
"I am thankful to Javier for the support and for giving me the opportunity last year," Wagner said. "He has done so much for FPC girls basketball. He was great mentor and he continues to be there for the program."
Wagner coached baseball and men’s league basketball in West Virginia before moving to Florida 10 years ago. He began coaching girls basketball in 2018 as Eustis High School’s JV coach and assistant varsity coach.
“Once I started it, I loved it,” he said. “I love the style of play of the girls. The game is built more around the fundamentals.”
The Bulldogs return two starters – junior guard Kaitlyn Rose and senior guard/forward Remington Montgomery. Other returning players include junior guard Shyleigh LeBlanc, junior forward Naria Hill and sophomore point guard Brynn Gifford, who missed most of last season with an injury, Wagner said.
Two other starters from last year transferred after Bevacqua stepped down, said Wagner.
“We’re going to look a little different, but as the season goes on we’re going to be more competitive,” he said.
Wagner said he prefers an uptempo offense with the objective of getting open looks at the basket before the defense can set up.
“In the half court we want to move the ball, reverse it back, get the defense out of position and get the shot we want,” he said. “It all goes back to having sound fundamentals.”
Thomas Daily joins Wagner’s staff as a varsity assistant with Daniella Knight slated to coach the JV team.
