Varsity basketball coach Jeff Clarkson will not be returning next year as he has accepted the head coaching position at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Clarkson has been head coach of the Panthers since 2012, when he moved away from Naaman Forest.  

“I hope to stay connected to the program even though I’m not a coach here anymore,” Clarkson said. “I’m still an alumni of this school and basketball program.”

During his time here , Clarkson led the Panthers to an overall record of 113-83 and three district championships in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Out of those three years, Clarkson led the team to the regional semifinals in 2013 and the regional quarter finals in 2016.

“He was a great coach, intelligent and he knew the game well,” former varsity player Josiah Wilson said. “He helped me with getting in contact with more colleges.”

Multiple players received scholarships and continued to play in college under Clarkson’s tenure, including Zach Smith, who played at Texas Tech and is currently entered in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Clarkson will be set up for success in the future, as Prestonwood won six state championships in the last seven years.

“We are excited about the new opportunity but sad to leave a place so close to our hearts,” Clarkson said. “I’m always going to be a Panther.”