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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LONDON \u2014 After 15 years as head coach of the South Laurel High School boys\u2019 basketball program, Jeff Davis has decided to step down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Davis became South Laurel\u2019s second head coach in program history, replacing former coach Steve Wright in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter much thought, reflection, and conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Head Coach of the South Laurel Boys Basketball program,\u201d Davis said. \u201cLaurel County is where I started my family and where we have raised our children. It has truly become our home, and it always will be.
\u201cI want to thank the people who gave me the opportunity to come to South Laurel 15 years ago,\u201d he added. \u201cI will always be grateful for the trust and belief you placed in me.
Over the years, so many people have helped build and support this program. I am thankful for all of our assistant coaches, players, and support staff whose dedication and hard work helped continue the proud tradition of South Laurel Basketball.
I also want to express my appreciation for the true backbone of our school system – the janitors, cooks, media specialists, school police, nurses, maintenance staff, secretaries, counselors, teacher aides, and bus drivers. Your daily commitment makes it possible for all of us to do our jobs and support our students. A special thank you to the bus drivers who have traveled countless miles supporting our teams. Your loyalty to South Laurel Basketball has meant more than you know.
To my assistant coaches – Dennis Hammonds, Jesse Sizemore, Jordan Hammonds, Tyler Huff, Trey Smith, Donnie Burdine, Roscoe Denney, Jason Hibbard, Alex Hostettler, Josh Smith, Josh Hamlin, Darrin Reed, Chuck Sowders and Jeff Benge thank you for your friendship, commitment, and the countless hours you invested in our players and program. You have made a tremendous impact on me, my family, and this community.
\u201cTo my father, it has been one of the greatest blessings of my lite to coach alongside you. The sacrifices you and Mom have made to support me throughout my coaching journey will never be forgotten,\u201d Davis continued. \u201cFinally, to Dana, Maleah, and Kylie – thank you for sharing me with this program and for supporting my passion for coaching and mentoring young men. The time, sacrifices, and unwavering support you have given mean more than I can ever express. I am incredibly thankful for every player, family member, supporter, and friend who has been part of this journey. The memories, relationships, and lessons from these years will stay with me forever.
South Laurel Basketball is special because of the people – the players, families, and community who take pride in the name on the front of the jersey. It has been an honor to be a small part of that tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turned in a 305-166 mark during his tenure while winning one 13th Region championship (2016) and seven 50th District titles (2016, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 25.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Laurel\u2019s best season under Davis came during the 2015-16 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cardinals posted a 29-7 record while garnering a top 10 state ranking throughout the season. South Laurel captured the 50th District championship along with the 13th Region title before handing Sweet 16 favorite Christian County its first loss to a state team in first round action of the state tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cardinals followed with a win over South Oldham in the Elite Eight before dropping a heartbreaker to Louisville Doss in the Final Four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n