Nearly one-third of the varsity boys basketball coaching positions in Beaufort and Jasper counties have turned over since the end of the season, and three of the four open positions were filled close to home.
Here’s a look at the changes so far this offseason:
BATTERY CREEK
Out: Antoine Youmans
In: C.J. Brown
Youmans’ 10-year tenure with the Dolphins comes to an end, and Battery Creek turns to one of its own to take the reins. Brown was a standout for the Dolphins under legendary coach John Drafts, and he hopes to lead the program back to its past level of success. Brown was the junior varsity coach at crosstown rival Beaufort High last season.
BEAUFORT HIGH
Out: Will Lowther
In: Jeremy Huff
After a promising first season with the Eagles, Lowther is out in the wake of his legal troubles. The school was quick to make an internal move to hire Huff, who was a longtime assistant under Bruce Beasley and will not have an interim tag. Huff provides a link to the program’s glory days under Beasley, and could perhaps provide some stability to a program that has seen three coaches come and go since Beasley’s contract was not renewed following the 2013-14 season.
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Out: Jon Zolnik
In: Travis Priddy
Zolnik did a fantastic job taking over on an interim basis last season, as the Eagles were one of the area’s most pleasant surprises. HHCA hopes it can continue the momentum by hiring Priddy away from Savannah Christian Prep. Priddy has more than 15 years of head coaching experience and has a golden opportunity to build a strong program with HHCA moving its campus to Bluffton.
HILTON HEAD HIGH
Out: Ken Updike
In: Chane Brown
After a full search, Hilton Head High opted to hire from within, first naming Brown the interim coach and then pulling the interim tag. Brown is a 2002 graduate of HHIHS, where he was a three-sport standout and has spent three years at the junior varsity head coach and one season as a varsity assistant under Updike.