There’s one word that high school coaches fear — and covet — equally: Transfer.

That might not have been a factor back in the day, but it’s on par with Xs and Os now.

One transfer can make or break a program. Especially in basketball when that guy can mean the difference between a good or championship season.

Braxton Miller was the rare high school football player who made a difference when he transferred from Springfield to Wayne.

Coaches always welcome a transfer. They say things like the program’s deep history of success draws interest.

But losing a transfer? Different ball game.

I feel for the coach — college and high school — who loses a star player to another program.

You pull for the great player who’s stuck on a C-minus team.

You and I have options. So do our bosses and their owners.

College students — let alone athletes — have options, even after enrolling and/or playing. Coaches also have options, any level, everywhere.

There is no such thing as a binding letter of life that anchors us to something. Even half of all marriages don’t last.

We’re reminded of this following Justin Bibbs’ decision to leave Chaminade Julienne High School for Montverde Academy (Fla.) last week.

On the verge of being a national recruit, he’ll spend the next two seasons fulfilling that potential at the prep school basketball power.

It stings when great players leave. We wonder why. He wonders, why not?

Where’s the loyalty? It was stashed somewhere behind opportunity and fresh start. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee newfound success or even contentment.

But it is an option.

Contact this writer at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@coxohio.com.