May 26, 2026
The
Perry Panthers have found their next leader on the hardwood. Pending formal local school board approval, former Smithville High School lead man
Corey Kaufman has been named the new head boys basketball coach at
Perry High School.
The hiring brings an end to a highly anticipated Stark County coaching search. It lands the Panthers a proven winner to anchor the Federal League program.
A Proven Winner Arrives from Smithville
Kaufman makes the move to Perry following a highly successful 7-year tenure leading the Smithville Smithies. He is fresh off an excellent campaign where he guided his former squad back to the district championship game. His bench leadership earned him top honors as the Division VI
Northeast Inland District Coach of the Year.
Known for getting maximum production out of his rosters, Kaufman brings a reputation for disciplined, high-execution basketball. He will look to build a consistent powerhouse in the competitive local hoops landscape.
Filling Big Shoes
Kaufman inherits the whistle from Matt Voll, who made the personal decision to step down in April 2026 after three seasons at the helm. Voll left a lasting mark on the program, famously piloting a resilient Panthers squad on a stunning, historical postseason run that concluded in the 2025 OHSAA Division II State Championship Game.
