West Potomac High girls basketball coach Parker Roach abruptly resigned before Christmas, according to the school’s activities director Jeff Dietze.
Roach was in the midst of his fifth season as the Wolverines’ head coach when he informed Dietze he was stepping down for personal reasons. Roach, who was replaced by assistant coach Carrie Jones, had a career record of 26-67. His last game was a Dec. 19 loss to West Springfield High.
Jones has been with the West Potomac program for four years — including two as the junior varsity coach. She led the Wolverines (2-6, 0-2 Patriot District) to the championship game of the South Lakes Holiday Classic last week, where they lost to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes.
“It’s an opportunity to build on the things we’ve been doing here and bring some new life to the program,” said Jones, a Gettysburg, Pa., native who played college basketball at Bucknell. “The good thing is I’ve been here for a while and there will still be some continuity for the girls.”
CHARGERS’ SMITH CAN REACH 300 FRIDAY: For the second time this season a Concorde District boys basketball coach is approaching a victory milestone. Herndon High coach Gary Hall reached the 300 career-win plateau with a victory over South Lakes on Dec. 15. Now, Chantilly High coach Jim Smith can reach 300 when his team faces Stuart, his alma mater, on Friday. In 20 years as head coach at Sidwell Friends (one season), McLean (three seasons) and Chantilly (16 seasons), Smith has compiled a record of 299-181.
IRETON’S LUCAS AWAITS FINAL OPINION: Bishop Ireton junior point guard Tucker Lucas seeks a final opinion from doctors on his broken right foot today that could determine if he will return to play for the Cardinals or must undergo season-ending surgery. Lucas suffered the injury in a preseason scrimmage vs. Largo High, according to Ireton coach Mark Vincent. The Cardinals were 3-7 entering last night’s Washington Catholic Athletic Conference game vs. Paul VI.
