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TEAMS
STARS UPSTATE
CURTIS WHEELER
STARS CLUB DIRECTOR
Curtis Wheeler, a North Augusta, SC native, brings over 20 years of experience in grassroots basketball to his coaching career. For the past decade, he has been dedicated to fostering young talent in Spartanburg through his work with Upward Sports and guiding Stars Basketball. Curtis is passionate about developing players both on and off the court, focusing on skill development and character building. His commitment to the game and his community has made him a respected figure in youth basketball circles.
STARS UPSTATE
WARD YOUNT
STARS UPSTATE DIRECTOR
Coach Ward Yount is the Director of Upward Stars Upstate. He’s a basketball lifer who fell in love with the game at a young age, inspired by his father’s success as a college and high school coach. Now forging his own path, Coach Yount has over a decade of experience coaching middle school, high school, and travel basketball across the Upstate. He has coached at multiple Upstate high schools at the varsity and sub-varsity levels, including helping Dorman High School win a State Championship and finish with a #2 national ranking as an assistant coach.
Beyond coaching, Coach Yount has served in key leadership roles, including Upward Stars 3SSB High School Liaison and Athletic Director at Gable Middle School in Roebuck, South Carolina. He believes
basketball is a powerful tool to shape young people and teach life lessons that translate to success on the court, in the classroom, and in life. Coach Yount strives to create a basketball atmosphere that is
fun, yet challenging, and leads to the complete development of all athletes on and off the court.
When he’s not coaching or teaching, Ward is a proud husband to Brittni and dad to two amazing children, Malachi and Sydney.
