Peters Township hires Miles as girls basketball coach

Bob Miles is back on top. Now, he hopes to put the Peters Township girls basketball program back there, too.
One year removed from going undefeated and capturing a PIAA championships, the Indians fell on hard times in 2019-20. PT failed to make the playoffs and finished 7-15 in a season riddled with injuries.
One year removed from his ouster as Trinity head coach, Miles replaces Bert Kendall at PT.
Kendall, 59, resigned after the 2019-20 campaign because increased work commitments interfered with his ability to continue coaching. In seven seasons, he posted a 110-48 record, complete with three section titles, one WPIAL title and the 2019 state championship.
Miles, who is a retired educator, served as an assistant to Kendall this past season.
“I didn’t go there to be the head coach,” Miles said of PT. “I went as an assistant.”
Miles conceded that the promotion is an exceptional opportunity.
“There is talent and drive within the players to improve and continue the tradition. There is the opportunity to coach in a state of the art facility, maybe one of the best in all of the WPIAL,” he added of the new gymnasium and high school scheduled to open in January. “I want to see how I can do against the best coaches in the WPIAL. I’m ready to go. Looking forward to it.”
PT athletic director Brian Geyer is eager to have Miles on board.
Geyer said Miles brings a wealth of experience to the table with more than two decades of head coaching experience.
Miles coached seven seasons at Trinity and 14 at Fort Cherry.
“Bob is held in high regard for his basketball knowledge, positive leadership skills and his defensive-minded approach to basketball,” Geyer said. “Bob will be a great fit at Peters Township.”
Miles compiled a 123-56 record at Trinity and reached the PIAA Class 5A championship in 2017, where the Hillers fell to Archbishop Wood.He won 237 games at Fort Cherry.
In recommending Miles to the school board for approval, Geyer said he thought Miles did an “excellent” job in his capacity as assistant to Kendall.
“He was calm, cool and collected. He treated the girls right,” Geyer said.
“We want our program to grow in skill development,” he continued. “The more we can do early on, engaging our youth and assisting with that development, I think Bob has checked a couple of those boxes already. What he did in the second half of the season with our younger players was very important. The way the season went, you want to take away some positives.”
Peters Township ended the year on a two-game winning streak. Miles will refashion the Indians around three key veterans.
Journey Thompson is a two-year starter. The rising junior averaged 12.9 points and grabbed 7.7 rebounds during PT’s state championship run. A two-time all-section selection, she managed 16 points and 11 rebounds this season.
Jordan Bisignani is a three-year starter at point guard. She averaged six points and two assists this season.
Avana Sayles was enjoying a breakout sophomore season when she suffered a hip injury. She averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in earning second-team all-section acclaim.
“It’s a good, young and talented group,” Miles said.
Coaching in Section 2, 6A will be a challenge, Miles said.
“It’s one of the top, if not the best, in the state,” he said. “I’m looking forward to preparing for these different teams and styles.”
Luke Campbell contributed to this story.