Jones resigns as head coach at Holly High

Kenzaki Jones has stepped down as head coach of the Holly Springs High School boys basketball team after just one season.

He recently accepted a position as lead teacher at Potts Camp High School, and he will also assist new principal Tana Miller with administrative work.

"This job opportunity came up all of a sudden, not expected, and it was an opportunity for me advance to the next phase of my career," Jones said.

"I'm looking forward to getting into administrative work. I couldn't pass it up. It's the best move right now for me and my family."

Jones holds bachelor's and master's degrees and said he plans on pursuing his doctorate.

"This is my 20th year in education, and I'm excited about this opportunity to go in a different direction," he said. "Opportunities like this don't come every day."

Jones was hired at Holly High in October 2019, just before the season started, to replace Sylvester Kilgore as head coach of the Hawks.

He led the team all the way to the Class 3A final four and a 25-8 record.

He thanked principal Cravin Turnage and athletic director Marcus Autry for giving him the opportunity to coach the Hawks.

"It was a great experience," Jones said. "I loved working in the Holly Springs community.

"The kids were great. They worked extremely hard. I love all the kids and wish them the best. I will be following them, that's for sure.

"I will miss coaching, but this new job will push me out of my comfort zone and present new challenges for me.

"I hope the next coach at Holly High will take them to the successful plateau that they are used to reaching."

Jones is familiar with Potts Camp. He coached the Cardinals four years, 2013-2017.

"I've been there and been involved in that community before," he said. "Hopefully, the transition back will be smooth. I worked with Coach (Tana) Miller before, and I am looking forward to assisting her. Also, a lot of the teachers who were there before are still there, and I look forward to working with them again."

Miller is moving to the high school principal position in 2020-2021 after serving as principal at Mary Reid Elementary in Potts Camp. Jones also previously

worked with new Marshall County Superintendent of Education Roy Lawson when both coached at Coldwater.

"I've been blessed with opportunities to advance throughout my career, and this is another one," he said. "I believe being able to get a start in administrative work in a small school and community like Potts Camp will be very positive long-term for me."