Rhea County grad Webb new Hurricanes basketball coach
During the past eight seasons as a boys’ basketball assistant coach for Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Andy Webb helped continue success for a program with 24 state tournament appearances.
Now the 37-year-old Webb will try to help build on the recent history at East Hamilton as he takes over for veteran Frank Jones, who resigned in May.
“I think this program is really on the verge of being a state name and power,” said Webb, whose hiring was announced Thursday. “The last three years East Hamilton has shown the type of student-athlete it takes to build a high level of success.
“It’s more than just on the basketball court. The kids here have had a strong work ethic, and you can tell there are great people here. It’s an honor to be here. I can’t wait to continue and build on the success they’ve had.”
He played for Rhea County High School and Maryville College and one year was a practice-squad player for Pat Summitt’s Tennessee Lady Volunteers.
In Webb’s first year as an Science Hill assistant, the 2011-12 season, the Hilltoppers set a TSSAA record with 345 3-pointers as they shot 40% from beyond the arc. That team led by sharpshooter C.J. Good lost by just 10 points to powerhouse Memphis East in the state semifinals.
In the last eight years the Hilltoppers went 191-53 to go with another Class AAA state tournament berth in 2016.
“At Science Hill we were able to connect and develop a lot of high-character student-athletes,” Webb said. “We had an exciting style of basketball, too. Science Hill traditionally picks you up 90 feet and really pushes the envelope on defense.
“Then they get the ball out and play extremely fast, which really builds depth and gets a
ton of kids an opportunity to develop for the high school and collegiate level. At East Hamilton we will put on an up-tempo and exciting product on the court as well.”
In the past three seasons East Hamilton has gone 72-29 (.713), which included three Class AAA sectional appearances and the Hurricanes’ first trip to the state tournament in 2016.
“We wanted a coach who could continue our success and bring longevity as well,” East Hamilton principal Brent Eller said. “We went through over 100 résumés, and Coach Webb’s experience, ability to relate to players and love of the game really stood out. He comes from a storied program and will be able to help carry on our tradition.”
Athletic director Keitha Booker added, “I think our kids will really be able to relate with Coach Webb, and he will push them to the limit. He has a passion for the game and love for the kids. He’s the coach we feel can take us to the next level.”
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.