Bennie Lewis, the legendary high school basketball coach who built the East St. Louis Lincoln program into a national powerhouse has died. He was 87.
Lewis was a standout player at Lincoln in the mid 1950’s, where he played for head coach and mentor Ed “Tree” Harris. Lewis returned to his alma mater as head coach in 1971 and he proceeded to enjoy an iconic career. Known as “Boss” around the East St. Louis community, Lewis guided the Tigers program into one of the best in the nation during its hey-dey in the 1980s.
In 27 seasons at Lincoln, Lewis compiled a record of 519-191. When Lincoln closed its doors after the 1998 school year, he took over the program at East St. Louis, where he had a record of 62-33 in three seasons with the Flyers.
When Lewis was a high school player at Lincoln, his teams played a 1-2-2 full court press that backed up into a 2-3 zone defense. It was a staple at Lincoln when Harris coached and Lewis employed that same defense throughout his entire career as a head coach.
Under Lewis’ direction, the Tigers became a dynasty, as they won four Illinois Class AA state championships during the 1980’s. The first one came in 1982 when the Tigers defeated Chicago Mendel Catholic 56-50 behind the dynamic front court duo of Tyrone Jackson, Todd Porter and guard Calvin Phiffer.
Lewis’ Lincoln teams concluded the decade with a historic state championship three-peat in 1987, ‘88 and ‘89. Led by All-American LaPhonso Ellis, the Tigers defeated Chicago King in 1987 and Chicago St. Francis de Sales in 1988 to win consecutive state titles.
When Ellis graduated in 1988, most basketball experts thought that the Tigers state championship run would come to an end. However, Lewis put together another strong team in 1989 led by Cuonzo Martin, Vincent Jackson and Chris McKinney and brought them back to Champaign, the site of the state tournament.
Despite entering the state tournament as underdogs, Lewis led the Tigers past nationally ranked Chicago King in the semifinals and an undefeated No. 1 ranked Peoria Central team in the state championship game to accomplish the unprecedented three-peat. A jump shot by Vincent Jackson as time expired in triple-overtime gave the Tigers the state title and the three-peat.
Lewis was always a picture of calm and composure on the sidelines. Even during the most intense and heated moments that come with state tournament competition, Lewis always remained cool and he was never overcome by the moment. In turn, his teams followed suit and always played their best basketball when the pressure was at its greatest. And at the height of his program’s tremendous success, Lewis was always one to remain reserved and let his players take all of the credit.
After his retirement from the coaching ranks, the honors and accolades rained down on Lewis. In 2000, he was voted the Coach of the Century in the state of Illinois by the Chicago Tribune. He was also a member of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In August of 2022, a special ceremony was held to honor Lewis in East St. Louis.
I loved coach Lewis
Iwas in attendance the night Laphonse Ellis Lincoln High played Alonzo Mourning Chesapeake Virginia’s High school at Lincoln gym Lincoln loss that night but that was one the best High School game you will ever see. Both had stellar NBA careers Mourning ended up in the HALL.
Mr. Bennie Lewis Sr. was my uncle, A devoted family man, an amazing uncle, one the best coach’s that ever graced the court, and a man of GOD! I’m sincerely going to miss him. He has led an amazing life and I couldn’t be more proud to say I’m related to this man!!
What a legend. My deepest condolences to the Lewis family. He played high school basketball alongside my brother’s dad, Britt Booker, and my uncle, John Williams, was the Principal at Lincoln. I have fond memories of attending those games with him. Mr. Lewis leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be remembered and cherished by many.