A varsity boys’ basketball coach at Lakeland High School, James Jones, has resigned from the position.

In an emailed statement, Lakeland principal Thomas Whitley said Jones’ “contributions to our basketball program cannot be measure in wins and losses,” but “by the character in which he helped establish among the young men that participated in his program.”

“We will be forever grateful for his contributions to our school, and to our program,” Whitley continued.

It is understood Jones will continue teaching at the school, and the school division declined to answer questions about his resignation.

“Because the matter of Jones as coach is a personnel issue, details of the when, why and how of any changes cannot be discussed with the media,” division spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw said.

Jones compiled a 302-152 record with the Cavaliers, according to Bradshaw, leading the team to the Eastern Region tournament in 2009 and 2011.

Bradshaw also confirmed that, “in an unrelated matter,” athletic director Teri Tucker has accepted a position in another school division.
Tucker has reportedly been replaced with Gregory Roundtree as Lakeland’s new athletic director.