Lee James has stepped down as Hopkins Central Boys’ basketball coach after winning 49 games in three seasons at the Seventh District school.
In a release from the school, James said he wanted to step away from coaching to spend more time with his daughter, who is active in rodeo and archery.
“It is time to watch her chase her dreams throughout her remaining high school and college years,” James said. “I have been blessed with great people to work with in our basketball program.”
Hopkins Central was 49-42 in three seasons as Storm head coach. His squad win 21 games in 2017 which earned James Second Region Coach of the Year honors. Hopkins Central had won 26 games in the three seasons prior to James taking over the coaching position.
“We are very thankful to Coach James for what he has done for our basketball program,” HCCHS Athletic Director Kent Akin said. ‘He took over our program when it was in a downward spiral, and he was able to bring excitement and the expectations of winning back to our program.”
Hopkins Central was 12-15 last year. They graduate four seniors but are slated to return three starters for the new coach.