Oliver Simmons is the new boys head basketball coach at Haywood County High School.

Simmons leaves the University School of Jackson where he posted a 101-49 record in five seasons as head coach of the Bruins.

Joey Hassell, superintendent of Haywood County Schools, issued a press release about the new hire.

“Haywood County Schools and Haywood High School are excited to announce the hiring of Oliver Simmons as the new Tomcat Basketball Coach. Being named the MVP of the state tournament in his sophomore year and winning Mr. Basketball for two consecutive years helps him to identify with the caliber of athletes produced at Haywood High School.

“His collegiate successes include winning the National Championship on the team with Tony Delk at the University of Kentucky and playing in the ACC at Florida State University. After playing professional ball in three different leagues, he began his high school coaching career.

“Coach Simmons comes to us from USJ where he garnered years of success cultivating a winning pedigree. He has seen over 25 former players move on to compete at the collegiate level and he prides himself in never having a player ruled academically ineligible. His extensive resume and 15+ year career as a head coach, explains why he is a great fit for our basketball program and community. Discipline, Communication, Organization, and Hard Work are cornerstones to Coach Simmons’s leadership philosophy. We know that through his leadership, Haywood High Basketball will continue to build on its’ winning tradition.”

Kendall Dancy, Haywood High School boys head basketball coach resigned, his position in March, but remains as an instructor through the end of the school year.

Dancy, who led the Tomcats to the 2015 Class AA state championship, produced a 170-59 overall record in seven years.

(PHOTO: Oliver Simmons)

David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/