Assistants Taking Over

Two longtime assistants are getting their first chance to lead their teams.

Jeremy Gray, who just completed his 10th season as Kyle Green’s assistant baseball coach at Vidor, will take over the Pirate program after Green joined the Lamar baseball team as its pitching coach.

Brad Jeffcoat takes over as the head coach of the Little Cypress-Mauriceville basketball team after six seasons of sitting next to Darin Harley on the Bear bench.  Harley left LCM to take the head coaching spot at Troup HS.

For both coaches it will be their first job as head coaches.

Gray is a 2001 LCM grad who played his college ball at Lamar.  He started with the Pirates fresh out of college.  “I was fortunate to be here and watch Kyle build this program,” he said.  “I hope to add some little things but the foundation is already here.”

Gray will welcome back four varsity players next year in a very competitive district.  Joining Gray on his coaching staff are Sean O’Bannion and Rex Humberson, who are both Vidor grads, and Shad Smith.

Jeffcoat is a 2002 graduate of Nederland High School and he received his college degree from Auburn University.

Besides welcoming back seven players, including all-district performer Katon Brown, Jeffcoat is excited about the Bears building a new gym.  The new head coach said, “It may not be open until district play begins, but we’re excited about having new facilities.  And with the new gym we may look at starting our own tournament.”

Jeffcoat and his assistant and former teammate Kody Becnel will add an up tempo game to the 2016-17 Bears.  With that being said, he added he was glad the UIL did not approve a 35 second shot clock that was considered last week and their annual meeting.

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