Adam Ahlfeld coaching 8th grade boys basketball at his alma mater

Eastwood Middle School’s boys basketball team opened its season Thursday.

Adam Ahlfeld is in his first season as head coach of the 8th grade boys basketball team at Eastwood Middle School, his alma mater. Ahlfeld graduated from Eastwood in 2000 and then went on to play at North Central High School (2000-04), and walk-on at Indiana University (2004-08).

Ahlfeld huddles with his team during a timeout.

Ahlfeld, who turned 29 years old last month, is proud and excited to be back at Eastwood. Basketball has been a key part of his entire life.

He played at every level, including the AAU circuit during the summer months up until he graduated from high school. He learned from his dad, Dr. Steve Ahlfeld, who also played at IU (1972-75), as well as a number of recognized coaches including North Central’s Doug Mitchell, and Mike Davis, Kelvin Sampson, and Dan Dakich at IU.

He’s a coach the young players will quickly respect. He is great at connecting with others and his knowledge of the game is obviously strong.

The Eagles opened the season Thursday at home against Lynhurst, a school in Wayne Township. They trailed for much of the game, including 19-6 in the second quarter. Eastwood scored the final eight points of the second and the first four points of the second half.

Lynhurst held a six-point lead in the final period, which Ahlfeld’s team trimmed to one late. They then stole the ball and had the opportunity to take the lead but a layup was missed and they were forced to foul. Lynhurst made both free throws to stretch their lead to three. A heave by an Eagles’ player from mid-court as time expired was too strong.

The wins will come. Much of this same team did not win a game last season as 7th graders.

Ahlfeld has taught a 4th-grade class at Allisonville Elementary School since graduating from IU in 2008.

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