Merrillville opens post-East era

MERRILLVILLE | TJ Lux didn't have to buy new shoes, in case anyone is wondering. He knows the size he has to fill.

Merrillville boys basketball coach Jim East named Ball State Alumnus Coach of the Year

Jim East could have to add on to his home. The former Merrillville boys basketball coach keeps earning honors and plaques for his Hall of Fame career.

Lux is the man at Merrillville for boys basketball job

MERRILLVILLE | There was a little laughter. Then, a quick comment from the new boys basketball coach at Merrillville. His name was not a surprise to most.

T.J. Lux named newest Merrillville boys basketball coach

MERRILLVILLE | There was a little laughter. Then, a quick comment from the new boys basketball coach at Merrillville. His name was not a surprise to most.

Merrillville's Clark melts the snow at City in boys basketball

MICHIGAN CITY | School was not in session on Tuesday in Michigan City due to the heavy lake-effect snow in recent days.

This team will rock, the chair will not

Long-time Merrillville boys basketball coach Jim East pauses while announcing his retirement at a press conference at Merrillville High School in June. East's Pirates are ranked No. 25 in the country as the season tips off.

Merrillville's East prepares for final season on bench

Hall of Fame boys hoops coach Jim East cites fatigue, family time in news conference to announce pending retirement.

STEVE HANLON: East retirement puts pressure on Pirates to make right call

When the Merrillville school administration looks to replace Jim East as boys basketball coach, it should find a coach that will teach in the building during the day.

Merrillville's East prepares for final season

Jim East has contemplated getting out of coaching before, but his wife, Marlene, told him he'd miss it too much. The longtime fixture on the Merrillville bench's imminent retirement after the 2010-11 season is approved by Marlene this time.

Merrillville's East prepares for final season

Jim East began Monday's retirement announcement news conference with a joke, but he was serious about his decision to step down after the end of this season.

Merrillville's East prepares for final season

Longtime Merrillville boys basketball coach Jim East pauses while announcing his retirement at a news conference at the high school Monday. East will coach through the end of the 2010-11 season, which will be his 31st on the Pirates' bench and 43rd overall as a head coach.

Merrillville's East prepares for final season

Merrillville boys basketball coach Jim East is 70 years old, and he has decided his final season will be this coming school year. He retired from teaching in 2002 and has 42 years of experience as a head coach.