Mike Can Rebuild Girls’ Programs Fast as Bob Vila

It might not be the most professional phrase to add to a resume, but Jerry Mike can tack it on if he wants: Program fixer-upper.

Mike, who turned around the girls’ basketball program in six years at Glendale, is waving his wand at Valencia, where the girls’ team is 12-6 and in first place in the Foothill League with a 4-0 record.

The Vikings defeated preseason favorite Burroughs last week and demonstrated come-from-behind ability with a 54-51 victory over Canyon on Tuesday.

They are alone in first place for the first time in school history.

“I’m not Pat Riley or anything,” Mike said. “We’ve worked hard. That’s all. They’ve got some good players here, too. I didn’t inherit chopped liver.”

Mike was able to exercise a personal demon of sorts earlier this season.

He never beat Crescenta Valley while coaching at Glendale, but Valencia defeated the Pacific League powerhouse last month.

It makes his decision to change schools appear all the more wiser. Mike lives six blocks from the Valencia campus and said it was natural to apply when Greg Hayes stepped down last year.

“It’s a three-minute commute,” Mike said. “Leaving Glendale was tough because I built up some relationships there, but [Valencia] is closer to home. It’s right around the corner.”

His neighbors can’t thank him enough.