Brian Lake named interim girls varsity basketball coach at JCM
Brian Lake named interim girls varsity basketball coach at JCM
Lady Cougar assistant to lead District 14A runner-up
JACKSON, Tenn. – After serving as assistant coach last season, Brian Lake has been named interim varsity coach of the Jackson Central-Merry girls basketball team. Lake, a former NAIA All-American basketball player at Union University, replaces Tony Shutes.
“JCM is a total rebuild, and the girls have a lot of talent. Coach Lake can provide the energy and the time needed to take this program to the next level. The program is in better hands now than when we arrived,” said Shutes, who is stepping down due to family related health issues.
This past season, the program’s first since 2016, Lake helped coach the Lady Cougars to a winning district record (7-3) and second place finish in the tournament that was decided in an overtime contest against Trenton Peabody.
“I am definitely honored to have this opportunity. I just want the girls to be successful. Eventually, the ball is going to stop bouncing. Education and character have to come first. Our athletes will be students first,” Lake said.
Lake served as an assistant under Middleton head coach James Burkley for three seasons before accepting head coaching stints at North Parkway Middle and Rose Hill.
“Many of the current JCM players were at Parkway when I was head coach. This past season with Coach Shutes allowed me to continue those relationships. I’m excited for what the future holds for JCM basketball,” Lake said.
The Lady Cougars finished the 2021-2022 season 13-12. JCM averaged nearly 45 points per game in the postseason.
“Our scoring was pretty even, but we’re definitely bringing back a lot of game experience. I’m excited to coach the second season of the rebirth,” Lake said.
