News Summary

Bangor High School is on the hunt for two new varsity basketball coaches following the departures of the current girls’ and boys’ coaches. Athletic Director Steve Vanidestine confirmed that Jay Kemble has stepped away to focus on girls’ soccer, while Aaron Pinckney has resigned for personal reasons. With a strong roster of young players, there is potential for success as the school seeks fresh talent to guide the teams. The goal is to have the coaching positions filled by May to prepare for summer practices.

Bangor High School Faces Exciting New Chapter in Basketball Coaching

In the vibrant city of Bangor, excitement buzzes in the air as Bangor High School embarks on a search for two new varsity basketball coaches. This decision comes on the heels of the recent departures of both the girls’ coach and the boys’ coach, creating a unique opportunity for fresh talent to step onto the court.

Athletic Director Steve Vanidestine recently confirmed that Jay Kemble, the girls’ coach, and Aaron Pinckney, the boys’ coach, have decided to part ways with their respective teams. The reason? Well, Kemble is choosing to focus more on soccer, where he is already serving as the girls’ varsity soccer coach. Meanwhile, Pinckney has stepped down for personal reasons.

A Glimpse at the Coaching Legacy

Jay Kemble has left a significant mark on the girls’ basketball program, boasting an impressive six-year record of 68-32. Notably, during the 2022-23 season, his team excelled with a record of 15-3. His coaching prowess has helped the team reach the AA quarterfinals five times. However, his teams have faced tough competition, falling in the semifinals to Oxford Hills of South Paris on multiple occasions.

On the boys’ side, Pinckney’s first season was challenging, wrapping up with a record of 1-17 and ending in a loss to Windham in the Class AA quarterfinals. Before his arrival, the boys’ basketball team had been struggling, with a three-season record of 9-47 prior to his tenure. The previous coach, Brad Libby, led the boys’ team to a state title in his debut season during the 2018-19 campaign, setting a high standard for future coaches.

What’s Next for the Teams?

As Bangor High School seeks new coaching talent, the upcoming basketball seasons have a lot riding on finding the right fit. Interestingly, the boys’ basketball team will only be losing two seniors from this year’s squad, creating a strong foundation of young players to build on. In fact, nine players on the boys’ varsity roster were freshmen or sophomores, which means there’s a great opportunity to nurture fresh talent moving forward.

Kemble’s reasoning for stepping away from girls’ basketball is rooted in the belief that bringing in a fresh coaching perspective can be beneficial for student-athletes, especially for those who participate in both basketball and soccer. He noted that players have a nine-month commitment spread across both sports, and having different coaches can introduce new ideas and strategies, resulting in a more enriching experience for the athletes.

Moving Forward with the Search

As Vanidestine and Principal Paul Butler begin filling out applications for new coaches, they are setting a timeline to conduct interviews by the end of the month. Their goal is to have both positions filled by May, ensuring that the new coaches can hit the ground running in preparation for summer basketball practices.

Importantly, strategic coordination among coaches is essential. This approach will help prevent overwhelming student-athletes who are balancing commitments in multiple sports. It’s vital to create a supportive and balanced atmosphere for these young athletes to thrive both on and off the court.

A Fond Farewell

Vanidestine has praised both Kemble and Pinckney for their dedication to their players. Their leadership has fostered an environment of growth, and they will undoubtedly be missed. But with change comes opportunity, and the Bangor community is excited to welcome new coaches into the fold, ready to guide their young athletes toward future success!

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