Jason Fitch named new boys basketball coach at Lexington

Lexington named Jason Fitch is new boys basketball coach on Tuesday after leading West Carroll to the state tournament.

"Lexington is closer to home, so I am closer to my family, my mom and grandparents," Fitch said. "I felt like they wanted me there. I have always thought it was a place that had the talent to be very successful."

Fitch is originally from Hardin County.

Fitch replaces Keith Runyon, who was relieved of his duties in March after leading the Tigers to a 19-9 season and runner-up finish in District 14-AA.

"They are coming off a successful year with a lot of talent returning," Fitch said. "I think it is a place that can be successful now and in the future, on down the road."

Fitch guided West Carroll, his first head coaching job, to the Class A state tournament for the third time in program history and first time since 1996. He was named the 2021 All-West Tennessee boys basketball coach of the year.

"There are a lot of great people here that I am going to miss, and telling those kids that I am leaving was the hardest thing I have ever had to do," Fitch said. "I owe everything to those kids because when I first got here, they bought in and we steadily improved as the years went on."

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In his six seasons as coach, West Carroll was 102-83 (.551 winning percentage) with three straight 20-win seasons and back-to-back appearances in the Class A sectionals.

Coming off his first state tournament appearance in his coaching career, Fitch believes that is a level that Lexington can achieve also.

"With the right response and right kids, they are hungry, so I think if you get in there and do things the right way, you can build that culture," Fitch said. "I think the biggest thing is getting kids to believe that they can do it. I am excited for that opportunity."

Lexington will be in District 11-AAA next season with Chester County, Hardin County and McNairy Central.

Prior to his time at West Carroll, Fitch was an assistant coach at Bolivar under Rick Rudesill.

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Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.