Kenton Coleman named new Greenbrier boys basketball coach

Former Greenbrier standout Kenton Coleman has been named the boys basketball coach at his alma mater.

Coleman, 29, graduated from the school in 2005 and played college basketball at Sewanee. He replaces Clint Mason, who resigned after eight years.

Coleman had been the top assistant to girls basketball coach Carl Miller. Coleman called Miller "a mentor" and talked to him first about applying for the job.

"We've talked a lot about what the vision of a program should be," Coleman said. "With the girls, he wanted to establish a new culture and I've been able to see that first-hand over the last few years."

Miller called it a "perfect fit" for Coleman.

"His passion was always on the boys' side," Miller said. "He just wanted to get some experience and then get a boys' job, and the job just opened up at the right time. He does a very good job, he's got a good reputation. he's well-liked in the community and he knows basketball. It's a perfect fit, and we're excited for him."

The Bobcats went 14-15 last season, losing in the first round of the Region 5-AA tournament. It was the program's first region berth in five years. Six seniors graduate, but leading scorer Jace Derseweh is set to return.

"He's going to bring some energy, but I would say his strength is his knowledge of the game," Miller said of Coleman. "He was a very smart player and he's a very smart coach. He studies the game and has very good connection with the players. I think there's going to be some mutual respect there. It's going to be good for him, and I have 100 percent confidence he'll do well."