Chapman hired as new Hawks coach

Holly Springs High School has hired Jones College assistant coach Luke Chapman as head coach of the boy’s basketball team. In his first season as an assistant at Jones, the Bobcats were ranked as high as No. 10 in the NJCAA rankings. Coach Chapman also helped lead his alma mater, Center Hill High School, to a 5A state championship.

Chapman, a Memphis, Tenn., native, brings much-needed help after the Hawks finished 10-15 this past season.

Chapman is excited about his first head coaching job.

“It feels great. I’ve envisioned having my own program for a few years now and for it to become a reality is incredible,” said Chapman. “I’m grateful to principal Cravin Turnage and Holly Springs School District for giving me an opportunity to begin my head coaching career.”

Chapman said he had learned much as an assistant and a championship-winning coach in the last few years.

“Coach Newton Mealer has been an integral factor in my development as a coach. I appreciate all the time and effort he put into building me up and teaching me the ins and outs of running a program,” Chapman said. “Seeing him establish culture and hold players accountable while also building relationships with players is something I will emulate within my own program.

“Winning the 2019 state championship was one of the greatest moments of my life. It’s lit a fire in me. I want to get back and experience that feeling again.

Chapman said he set goals and has a vision for the Hawks.

“We’re gonna put in the work. I’ve never been a results-driven person, I’m a process-driven person. Winning doesn’t happen at random, it’s a process. It’s a process of consistency. It’s a process of hard work. It’s a process of doing the little things right over and over again. And that process starts with me. This team, this school, and this community will get my best effort every day. And I have full confidence the positive results will follow. That’s the vision I have for building the culture of this program and getting back to playing winning basketball,” he said.

Chapman is the fifth coach since the departure of legendary coach Naylond Hayes.