Whitefish's Anderson named new Columbia Falls hoops coach

A Whitefish attorney with a passion for basketball has been tapped to coach the Columbia Falls boys basketball team.

John Anderson was offered the position on July 13 and is expected to be confirmed by the School District 6 board at a special meeting on Monday.

Anderson grew up and played high school basketball in Peshtigo, Wisconsin under hall of fame coach Sam Komp. A 6-foot-6 center, Anderson went on to play college ball at Division III Beloit College under coach Bill Knapton.

Anderson said he’s excited to be taking over the program and is at a point in his professional career where he has the time to coach.

“I’ve been a student of the game a long, long time,” he said. “Basketball was an escape growing up and something I really enjoyed.”

Even when he was busy practicing law, he said he’d take time to draw up basketball plays and he looks forward to engaging in the great tradition of basketball in Columbia Falls.

“Columbia Falls is a great place to be a coach,” he said.

Anderson said his law practice is primarily in technology and he works with East Coast clients, so his days generally end early, which gives him time to coach.

Anderson resigned from his seat on Whitefish City Council in May after serving three years of his four-year term.

He said his coaching philosophy embraces speed and quickness.

“Folks are going to see a fast-paced game,” he said.

Anderson noted the three-point shot will also be an integral part of his game.

“You need to get good at it or get used to being a mediocre team,” he said.

He said he was thankful for the foundation laid by longtime coach Cary Finberg and his staff over the years, but he’ll be hiring his own staff of assistant coaches.

He said it was important to develop talent from the elementary schools on up.

The team will have open gyms until the end of the month. Anderson said the players he’s talked to are ready to go and are excited about playing basketball. Last year’s junior varsity squad only lost a few games and the freshmen squad went undefeated.

Anderson has some big shoes to fill, but feels confident.

“I wear a size 13,” he quipped.