Stare Down Sports

Mark Byington. This weeks Coaching Spotlight.

Every Thursday during college basketball I like to show love to the coaches. Especially coaches working the ranks at small schools, doing big things.

The coach and program that I am spotlighting this week is Mark Byington, head coach at James Madison University.

This was a no brainer for many reasons this week for me. Not only did James Madison beat the number four school in the nation. The went into East Lansing and did it to Michigan State and Tom Izzo. Impressive.

CBB Coaching Spotlight: Mark Byington

Byington has the James Madison program running at top shape at the moment. This was on full display Monday, however looking deeper into things, this program is ready to take the next step.

Looking to become a powerhouse in the Sunbelt Conference, which James Madison is currently the favorite to win at +250. It appears from watching that Byington stresses defense and allows his playmakers to make plays.

In his career as a college head coach, Byington has a record of 189-133. His record at James Madison including Monday’s win is 51-32.

No matter where Mark Byington has coached, he has been a winner. In his six full seasons at Georgia Southern, he recorded five winning seasons, four of which they won at least 20 games.

Mark Byington and his James Madison Dukes will become a tournament regular if he keeps this up.

James Madison Take down Michigan State

In opening week, Coach Byington won this spotlight by beating Michigan State. A top 5 school coming into this season and beating them in one of the harshest environments in the sport.

Terrence Edwards with his 24 points and 5 rebounds led the way. While TJ Bickerstaff added in a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds.

James Madison won the game with the insane perimeter defense that held Michigan State to shoot 1 for 20 behind the arc.

Add that with Bickerstaff and company dominating the boards, and you have your self a first class recipe for an upset.

CBB Coaching Spotlight:

This week is all about the underdogs. Mark Byington has James Madison rolling to start the season. This is merely a tip of the hat, a moment of appreciation.

Be sure to check back in next Thursday for another Coach to be put in the spotlight.

Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on the X via @RowanDonaghey

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