After winning his first state championship, Perry Fletcher is leaving Newton to get closer to home.
Fletcher informed the administration at Newton last week that he was leaving to be the boys basketball coach at Terry High School.
Fletcher had an impressive two-year run at Newton as he went 52-7, including a 29-2 record last year that ended in a Class 2A state championship.
“It has been a great ride at Newton,” Fletcher said. “I love the community and the city of Newton. The city and my bosses were great. But it really came down to my family. My son is going into the seventh grade at Brandon and made the junior high team. By me driving an hour from home, it was taking me away from him. And as someone who grew up without a father, I wanted to be more visible for him. I made a decision to be closer to him.”
Fletcher said the 2A state championship is no doubt the highlight of his time at Newton.
“I still don’t have words for what happened this year,” Fletcher said. “I still wake up and can’t believe what these young ladies accomplished. It’s a tribute to Newton, the city and the girls. It’s a rich legacy with a rich tradition. I know what Newton girls basketball means to the city. I’m grateful to everybody involved for giving me the opportunity to add to that legacy. I’m grateful for the support of the town and superintendent for the opportunities they gave me.”
Fletcher said another reason for taking the Terry job was he would just be the boys basketball coach and would be stepping down from administration. Fletcher still lives in Brandon where he is also the pastor at Greater New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
“All I have to do is coach, which was another part of it,” Fletcher said. “With me being a pastor, it got overwhelming at times being in administration. I’m looking forward to a break from that.”
Fletcher said whoever takes over as the next girls coach will not be left empty-handed.
“I think it’s a great core coming back,” Fletcher said. “Ja’Leah Hickmon will be one of the better players in 2A next year. Zia Shields, Cornesha Jones, Adora McDaniel, Anastasia Brown and Kania Arrington will all be really solid next year. The cupboard is not bear. And this group understands what it takes to win. They are hungry and have a great work ethic. We came in after spring break and have been working in the weight room. They know that last year wasn’t all about talent but it was about work ethic, If you put on your hard hat and work boots, you can do great things.”
Fletcher said the interview process has begun for a new head coach but didn’t know much more past that.
