[Harlan County Bears]

Harlan County Sports: Basketball: Jones decides to remain as HCHS basketball coach
Monday, May 21
Jones decides to remain as HCHS basketball coach


By JOHN HENSON

Harlan County Sports.com

Bob Howard has one less item on his to-do list this summer, and he couldn't be happier.

Howard confirmed Monday that Harlan County High School boys basketball coach Mike Jones had reconsidered his decision to step down.

"After careful consideration, Mike Jones will continue coaching at Harlan County High School," Howard said. "I'm very pleased with his decision to remain as coach. We've discussed this for quite a while and I'm pleased he has decided to return for the 2012-2013 season."

Jones ranks among the state's most successful coaches with a record of 574-231 in 26 seasons at Cawood, Jackson County, Todd Central, Harlan, Clay County and Harlan County. With a record of 369-128 at three Harlan County schools, Jones appears to be the all-time leader in wins in the county.

Jones was selected as the first boys basketball coach at HCHS in 2008 and led the Black Bears to a 79-41 mark in four years, including four trips to the regional tournament and a district championship in 2010. The Bears improved each year, going from 13-15 in 2009 to 19-10 in 2010, 20-10 in 2011 and 27-6 last year.

With four starters and all their key reserves returning, including an unbeaten freshman team that won the regional title and a 16-1 junior varsity squad, the Bears will likely be ranked No. 1 in the 13th Region when the preseason polls come out next fall.