Malcolm Hill tabbed as new boys coach at Northwest Academy

Former Normandy High basketball coach Malcolm Hill will be the new head coach at Northwest Academy in North St. Louis. Northwest is a member of the Public High League. I spoke with Malcolm on Saturday and he is excited about the new opportunity.

 "I'm very excited about this new opportunity because Northwest High has enjoyed a great tradition during the Jodie Bailey years," Hill said. "I've always wanted to coach in the Public High League. I think the league is on its way back in boys basketball."

 Hill enjoyed a very successful 11-year run at Normandy from 1996-2007, when he compiled a record of 192-80, including six conference championships (Suburban North and Suburban East combined), two district championships and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals in 2004.

 Hill served as the school's athletic director for the past two years. He was largely responsible for putting together the most competitive Normandy Holiday Tournament field in several years. Last year's field included Class 3 state champion Cardinal Ritter, Class 4 third-place finisher Soldan, Class 5 perennial power McCluer North along with Raytown South from Kansas City and Chicago Orr, which featured University of Illinois recruit Mychael Henry.

 "I really enjoyed my time at Normandy High School," Hill said. "I wish the Vikings nothing but the best in the future."

 Hill has spent much of the summer following around his son, Malcolm Hill Jr., who is one of the area's top sophomores. Malcolm Hill Jr. will be a sophomore at Belleville East. He is playing this summer for the S.W. Illinois Jets 15U Orange team.