A familiar name in Columbia County basketball coaching is returning home.
Jeff Williams was officially appointed as the next head boys basketball coach at Harlem. The decision was made final and official Wednesday, according Harlem athletic director Rodney Holder.
Williams had a successful four-year stint as head boys basketball coach at Lakeside. After that, he came to the Savannah area to lead the program at New Hampstead. In this past season, he led the Phoenix to a 23-6 overall record with a 10-0 Region 3-AAAA mark and region championship. New Hampstead ended its season with its deepest run ever into the GHSA Class AAAA state tournament’s Elite Eight round with a 78-58 loss to eventual state champion North Oconee.
Sandysspiel.com tabbed New Hampstead as the most improved squad in Class AAAA. Williams compiled a total 60-36 record during his four seasons there.
At the time of the announcement of his departure from New Hampstead, Williams alluded to the possibility of a move to Harlem when he told the Savannah Morning News that his leaving was due to a desire to be closer to family.
“It was a very tough decision after the season we had, but we just wanted to get back closer to our family in Augusta,” Williams told The Morning News in an April 12, 2024 article.
“I’ve got something lined up, but I can’t say what it is yet.”
Turns out, it was the opportunity at Harlem. And the Bulldogs will likely accept him with open arms, as Harlem’s boys squad has had just two winning seasons in the last 10 years since the 2014-15 bunch posted a 24-5 mark and Sweet 16 finish in the Class AA state tournament.
This past season’s team was led by seniors BJ Reese (13.9 ppg) and Lamar Edmond (12.5 ppg). But promising pieces could return next season.
Williams had a 68-46 combined record during his four years at Lakeside before taking the New Hampstead job. During his first year at Lakeside, Williams led the Panthers to a 21-5 mark and, an undefeated region record with a Region 3-AAAAAA title to boot. He also posted a 20-win season with Lakeside during the 2018-19 campaign and led the school to consecutive playoff appearances each year there.
Stay tuned for more coverage of Harlem’s hiring of Williams.
