Indian Hill boys basketball parts ways with veteran coach Tim Burch

Despite never having a losing record in 13 varsity seasons at Indian Hill High School, boys basketball coach Tim Burch has been relieved of his duties.

The change comes after 19 years with the program, with Burch one win away from 200 varsity victories with the Braves. He was the school's freshman coach for his first six seasons before taking over for David Moss to start the 2009-2010 season.

"They said they're going in a different direction," Burch said. "It's sad. I love the place. I thought I did pretty well. I lasted longer than any other coach and won more games than any other coach, so not too bad. I was lucky to be a part of something for a long time."

His overall record at Indian Hill was 199-99. He won three Cincinnati Hills League titles, in 2010, 2016 and 2021, and won or shared league Coach of the Year honors in each of those seasons.

The 2021 campaign was shortened by coronavirus pandemic standards enforced by the Indian Hill School Board which delayed the start of that season to Jan. 12. The Braves went 14-3 in limited play.

"We made it to districts," Burch said. "I think we could have won eight more games if they let us play."

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This past season matched his most losses ever (11), but the Braves also won 11 games giving Burch a run at the school that included no losing records.

"I would like to thank Coach Burch for his 19 years of service to our Indian Hill program and school," Indian Hill Athletic Director Brian Phelps wrote in a statement to parents. "He has had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless young men throughout his coaching career. Coach Burch has given much time and commitment to the program."

Indian Hill posted the opening on the OHSAA job site March 25.

Burch's best season was 2016's run of 21-4, which included a string of 16 straight wins. Indian Hill was hurt by injuries in 2021-22. Top senior Ty Thornton and sophomore John Podojil only played seven and nine games, respectively.

"We still didn't do a bad job honestly," Burch said. "We played a lot of sophomores. Ty was out, Johnny (Podojil) was out, Antwan (Peek Jr.) was out a couple games. We had Covid. We never started the same team. We never had a single guy that started every game. We were piecing things together."

Burch's Braves won a postseason game against Monroe, before bowing out in the Division II playoffs against Woodward featuring the Division II Ohio Player of the Year Paul McMillan IV.

Indian Hill is currently accepting applications and they hope to announce their new varsity head coach by early May.

Burch is open to coaching again and has a resumé that should warrant interest.

"It might be something that I'd consider," Burch said. "If the right place came along, I'd probably love to. I know there are some places that are open. You'd like to go out your own way. I still think I have some good years of coaching ahead of me."

He said his assistants have been keeping up with local vacancies.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Indian Hill High parts ways with boys basketball coach Tim Burch