Northrop High School honored late hall-of-fame basketball coach Dave Riley by renaming the school's court after him during a ceremony Saturday, November 9.
David E. Riley Court was inside Mark Schoeff Gymnasium - named for Northrop's first athletic director - between the junior varsity and varsity games of the Lady Bruins' season opener against Leo.
Several of Riley's former players, assistant coaches, teaching colleagues and family members were there to celebrate the occassion. Riley's daughter spoke on behalf of the family, while longtime former Northrop principal Dr. H Douglas Williams memorialized Riley the coach and teacher. Current Northrop principal Erica Almas read a proclamation from Fort Wayne mayor Tom Henry, which elevated the dedication to a citywide recognition.
Riley coached the Northrop girls basketball team from 1979 to 1998, leading the Lady Bruins to a state championship in 1986. In 20 seasons at the helm, Northrop also won 10 Summit Athletic Conference tites, 8 sectional titles, 7 regional titles and back-to-back semi-state titles.
Riley also coached the Indiana All-Stars in 1991. He won 80.2 percent of his games, posting a 348-86 overall record.
From their undefeated state title run in 1986 to the state semi-final in 1987, the Lady Bruins won a state record 57 straight games. Standout Lori Meindering was named Indiana Miss Basketball in 1987, too.
Riley entered the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame twice: as an individual in 2008 and with the 1986 Lady Bruins in 2016. He passed away in 2013 at age 78.