From left, the Hope women's basketball coaching staff, Colly Carlson, Brian Morehouse, Dean Morehouse, Morgan Hughes and Ryan Ross

Dean Morehouse, Hope's assistant women's basketball coach, has joined the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame, The longtime assistant to his son, Brian, with the Flying Dutch, and former Fremont High School basketball coach was inducted Saturday in Lansing.

Dean Morehouse, Hope's assistant women's basketball coach, has joined the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame, The longtime assistant to his son, Brian, with the Flying Dutch, and former Fremont High School basketball coach was inducted Saturday in Lansing.

“It means a great deal to me to be honored by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan because it represents the sport I have been involved with all me coaching career,” Dean said. “To be nominated for the award by young coaches I have mentored is very humbling. Tom Welsh (Hesperia Girls coach) initiated the nomination and asked Peter Zerfas (Fremont Boys coach) and my son, Brian, to write letters of support.” 

To qualify for the BCAM Hall of Fame, a coach must have been a head basketball at the high school varsity or college for 20 years or more and/or accumulated 300 or more victories. Applicants also must have been a BCAM member for at least three consecutive years or have been retired for three years prior to 1985.

Brian Morehouse said the BCAM Hall of Fame is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for his father.

“Five decades of coaching basketball in the great state of Michigan is amazing. To do it with excellence and impact the number of men and women he has is honorable,” Brian said. “Doing this while coaching the game at a high level is hall of fame worthy! He's won at every level and never forgotten the most important aspect that is the relationships. We're thrilled this has been recognized by high school coaches who nominated him for the honor.”

Dean said he is grateful for the support he received from his understanding and supportive family.

“My wife supported my coaching efforts by preparing food for summer clinics, having team dinners at our home in Fremont and attending games to mention a few. Her understanding made it possible for me to continue for so many years,” Dean said. “I coached all three of my children in either tennis or basketball, and I think they appreciated it as much as I did. This meant a lot to me. All three children have coached at one time or another which makes me proud that they are willing to share with others to hopefully help them achieve a goal.”

Dean said his life-long enjoyment of coaching basketball comes from the relationships that come from coaching.

“I feel gratification if I can work with a player or coach and together we can accomplish a goal. Coaching any sport is challenging but with it comes the opportunity to form relationships with so many people: players, parents, fellow coaches, fans, media people, event staff and staff and administration,” Dean said. “I have coached only at Fremont Public Schools and Hope College and enjoyed my time at both. 

“Hope College is an exceptional place and environment in which to work.

The students, players, faculty and administration are great to work with. I could write pages about the support the Women's Basketball Team receives from the fans in Holland and surrounding area. It has been a blessing to get to know so many wonderful people. 

“It is obvious I enjoy working with and for my son Brian. I am very proud of him and feel very fortunate to be a part of what he has accomplished with the Women's Basketball Program at Hope.”