The Lady Tigers have lost their leader. In a surprise move this past weekend, Jonesboro-Hodge High School first year girl basketball coach, Kiyyah Deloney, was relieved of her duties. The action took place following a loss to Quitman at the Cedar Creek Tourney that dropped J-H to 1-5 on the season.
According to a person close to the program but wishes to remain anonymous, there had been dissension growing over the past couple of weeks between Deloney and a couple of the players parents who had first confronted Deloney and then went to JHHS Principal, Chevonda Leonard to voice their concerns.
“When we got back to the school that night Ms. Leonard said she wanted to meet with me on Monday about some changes that needed to be made,” stated Deloney. “I figured I knew what she wanted to talk about so I requested that she talk to me right then. That is when she told me she thought it was best that the team move in another direction.”
When asked for a comment on the situation Principal Leonard refused, as well as, refused to name who would be the Lady Tigers coach in the interim.
“Apparently some decisions I made wasn’t very popular with certain people but I make no apologies as they were made for what I thought was best for the team and not just certain individuals,” reflected Deloney. “I wish the girls the best and hope they are successful in what they do.”
Deloney’s removal continues the revolving door of drama that has plagued the program the last several years. Entering the season, she was to be the fourth head coach in the last five years, with two resigning after one year of service and the last after two years following similar parent / coach issues.
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