staff info

JR Howell

Jimmie Howell

Bronson Lickliter

Brian Heerdt

Nick Claghorn

Jaylen Cushenberry

Mitch Walters

Braden Hall 

J.R. Howell is entering his 4th year as head coach of Zionsville Boys Basketball and 12th year overall. Coach Howell has been a part of two State Championship teams (2005 & 2019) as well as one State Runner-Up finish in 2018. He is a 2006 graduate of Lapel High School and 2011 graduate of Marian University in Indianapolis. Coach  Howell is currently a teacher in the Health and Wellness Department here at ZCHS.

Jimmie Howell, a basketball legend, boasts a storied career spanning 40 years as head coach at Lapel High School, Brownsburg HS, Muncie Southside HS, and Mt. Vernon (Fortville.) With an impressive 625 wins, he ranks 14th all-time in coaching victories. Jimmie is celebrated as a two-time State Champion head coach, leading Lapel to glory in '05 and '16. His remarkable achievements have earned him a well-deserved place in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Currently in his 3rd year at Zionsville, Jimmie's legacy continues as he shares his wealth of knowledge and passion for the game with a new generation of athletes, making an indelible mark on the world of basketball.

Bronson's bio

Brian Heerdt, a cornerstone of Zionsville basketball, enters his impressive 14th year with the program, marking a remarkable 28-year journey across Perry Meridian and Zionsville. Coach Heerdt is a Creston High School (Michigan) '91 graduate and Purdue University graduate in '96. Coach Heerdt is currently teaching in the Health and Wellness Department in Perry Township.

Nick Claghorn is embarking on his fifth year at Zionsville, representing a decade-long commitment to coaching. Hailing from Carmel High School, where he graduated in 2001, Nick furthered his education with degrees from Indiana University in 2006 and Louisiana State University in 2013. Beyond the court, Nick is a direct mortgage lender with AnnieMac Home Mortgage.

Jaylen Cushenberry, a multifaceted educator and coach, brings his passion for sports and community to Zionsville for the fourth consecutive year. In addition to his role in Zionsville's special education department, Jaylen extends his expertise to the football field as an assistant coach and further demonstrates his leadership as the head baseball coach at Lawrence Central. Coach Cushenberry graduated from Avon HS in 2016 and Marian University in 2021. 

Mitch is entering his 2nd year as director of ZYBA.

Braden Hall, a proud alumnus of Zionsville, is now in his 4th year with the Zionsville basketball program, marking his 5th year overall as a coach. Braden's journey began at Zionsville High School, where he graduated in '15. He furthered his education at Indiana University, earning a degree in Business in '19. Braden's commitment to both his alma mater and the world of business is evident as he teaches in the Business Department at Zionsville Community High School. 

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JV Head Coach

Freshmen Coach

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