Wallace: 'There's a buzz in the community' about Springfield basketball

Wallace is preparing to shape Springfield boys basketball around defense as the program enters its first season under new leadership. On Jul. 12, the school announced that Chris Wallace was hired on June 1 to replace Matt Yinger, who stepped down in April after compiling a 28-48 record over three seasons. Wallace, who remains offensive coordinator of Springfield’s football team, previously saw the game through a defensive lens as early as the 1993-94 season. He said his basketball approach emphasizes 50-50 balls, rebounds, and the fast break. Because many players participate in both sports, basketball practices move to the evening during football season overlap, with the first game scheduled for mid-December. The team has endured seven straight losing seasons, and Wallace is aiming to rebuild a culture after similar struggles in football.