News Summary

A.L. Brown High School has hired Henry Lance Lewis, a local sports legend, as their new basketball coach. Lewis, who previously excelled in football and basketball at Concord High, takes over a struggling program after Jonathan Efird’s departure. With an impressive athletic background and significant college and professional experience, Lewis aims to revitalize the team as they prepare for the 2025-26 basketball season in the competitive 6A/7A Greater Metro Conference.

Big News in Concord: A.L. Brown Welcomes a Local Legend as Their New Basketball Coach

In a thrilling development for sports fans in Concord, A.L. Brown High School has announced the hiring of Henry Lance Lewis as their new basketball coach. Lewis isn’t just any coach; he is a local legend who made waves in both football and basketball during his days at Concord High. Talk about a homecoming!

From High School Star to Coaching Sensation

Lewis has an impressive athletic history. Back in the 2000s, he shone brightly alongside his teammate Dee Bost, leading the Concord Spiders to state championships in not one but two sports—football and basketball. It’s no wonder he’s revered in the community!

Now at 36 years old and approaching his 37th birthday before the start of the 2025-26 basketball season, Lewis is stepping into his new role with the excitement of a rookie and the experience of a seasoned player. He’s taking over from Jonathan Efird, who had a tough time at the helm during his recent seasons. Efird wrapped up his time with A.L. Brown finishing with a record of 23-74 over four seasons, including a challenging 6-19 last year. His departure after announcing he’d be stepping away from both teaching and coaching opened the door for a fresh start.

A Glimpse into Lance Lewis’ Sporting Journey

Lewis’ talents were evident even in high school. He boasted two impressive 1,000-yard seasons as a wide receiver, combined with a knack for defense, highlighted by four interception returns for touchdowns in a remarkable senior year. After graduating, Lewis made a pivotal choice to focus on football, a decision that would pave the way for an impactful college career.

Starting out at West Hills College before transferring to East Mississippi College, Lewis’ sophomore year in 2009 was a standout, racking up an astounding 16 touchdown catches. This impressive performance earned him attention from Division I schools, including East Carolina University (ECU). At ECU, his talents truly blossomed; in 2010, he not only caught 89 passes for 1,116 yards but also set a school record with 14 touchdown receptions! Talk about impressive stats!

While his senior year at ECU was filled with injuries, Lewis still managed to pull in 60 receptions for 600 yards and eight touchdowns, proving his resilience and dedication. Even though he wasn’t drafted into the NFL, he didn’t let that hold him back. He signed as a free agent with the Washington team in 2012 and continued on to play three games during the 2013 season. His journey also included stints with prominent teams like the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints, showing that he definitely made his mark in the professional sphere as well.

The Future of the Wonders

As Lewis begins his exciting new chapter as the head basketball coach for the Wonders, expectations are high. He’ll be leading the team in a revamped 6A/7A Greater Metro Conference, which now features five schools from Cabarrus County along with three representatives from Charlotte. It’s a competitive climate, but with Lewis’ background and experience, fans are eagerly anticipating what he will bring to the court.

The community is buzzing with excitement over this strategic move that looks to bolster the Wonders’ performance. With A.L. Brown making such a noteworthy hire, there’s a renewed sense of hope and a whole lot of energy for the upcoming season. Here’s to Lance Lewis and the journey ahead; Concord is certainly rooting for you!

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