Former UC Bearcats Coaches Face Off in High School Rivalry

Kevin Johnson and Cashmere Wright, ex-teammates and friends, lead rival high school basketball teams in Cincinnati

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Former University of Cincinnati basketball players Kevin Johnson and Cashmere Wright are now head coaches of rival high school teams in Cincinnati, Ohio. The two were never teammates at UC, but have been friends since Wright helped convince Johnson to join the Bearcats. Now, Johnson leads the Summit Country Day team while Wright is in his first season coaching the Walnut Hills squad. The two met on the court on February 10, with Wright's Walnut Hills Eagles defeating Johnson's Silver Knights 36-35 in a thrilling matchup.

Why it matters

The matchup between Johnson and Wright highlights the strong basketball culture in Cincinnati, where former college stars are now shaping the next generation of high school players. Their friendship and coaching rivalry also demonstrates the tight-knit community among former UC Bearcats players.

The details

Johnson and Wright were both standout players for the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team, though they never overlapped as teammates. Wright helped convince Johnson to join the Bearcats, and both had successful careers, with Johnson scoring over 800 points. Now, the two are head coaches of rival high school teams just a few miles apart in Cincinnati. Johnson has led Summit Country Day since 2023, while Wright is in his first season at Walnut Hills after four years at Clark Montessori.

  • On February 10, 2026, Wright's Walnut Hills Eagles defeated Johnson's Summit Country Day Silver Knights 36-35.
  • Last season, Johnson's Summit team beat Walnut Hills by 17 points.

The players

Kevin Johnson

The head coach of the Summit Country Day basketball team, a Summit Country Day graduate who led the team to a state title in 2012. He was inspired to join the University of Cincinnati Bearcats after watching Cashmere Wright play.

Cashmere Wright

The head coach of the Walnut Hills basketball team, a former four-year starter and two-time team captain for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He later played professionally overseas.

Charlie Stoffregen

A 6-foot-3 senior forward and the captain of the Walnut Hills basketball team, who had the winning basket in the final seconds against Summit Country Day. He has a 4.3 GPA and is the unquestioned leader of the team.

Tim Martin

A 6-foot-6 senior for the Summit Country Day team who is headed to play at the University of Rhode Island. He missed most of the season due to injury but returned on January 23.

Cayleb Walters

A standout guard who graduated from Summit Country Day last year and was a key part of the team's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“He already left when I was a freshman, but he was part of why I wanted to become a Bearcat. The shot against Alabama in the corner. I watched the crowd storm the court.”

— Kevin Johnson, Head Coach, Summit Country Day (cincinnati.com)

“That's one of my best coaching friends. We're brothers. One thing I realized about coaching is it's a busy life. During the season you're with your own team all the time.”

— Cashmere Wright, Head Coach, Walnut Hills (cincinnati.com)

“It's been great. First year, senior year. You don't really know what to expect. It's kind of hard to go into the season with uncertainty, especially your last year. It's been a great change. I love the coaches. I love the team.”

— Charlie Stoffregen, Senior Captain, Walnut Hills (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between two former UC Bearcats stars turned high school coaches highlights the strong basketball culture in Cincinnati, where college players are shaping the next generation of talent. Their friendship and coaching rivalry demonstrate the tight-knit community among former UC players.