Kings Mountain boys basketball tabs Andrew Fann as next coach
Whether as a visiting basketball coach or an interested spectator, Andrew Fann frequently left Kings Mountain High’s Donald Parker Gymnasium nothing short of impressed.
“Being in that gym (as an East Lincoln boys hoops assistant), you saw how much their fans and supporters care and want their team to be successful,” he said. “We came to Kings Mountain four or five times, and every game was a good one.”
This winter, he’ll call the gym home.
Fann was named Kings Mountain boys basketball coach on Friday. He takes over for longtime coach Grayson Pierce, who resigned last week after 11 years at the helm. Pierce won 170 games and three league titles during his tenure.
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The Kings Mountain job will be his first as a head coach. After a stint as an assistant at Mallard Creek (2016-18), Fann spent the last four years at East Lincoln (2018-22) under the tutelage of coach Jon Hancock. During that span, the Mustangs won 87 games and a conference title.
“At the end of last season I began looking into taking over my own program,” Fann said. “I’ve sat under coach Hancock and (assistant coach) Chip Ashley, and I’ve learned so much from them. I felt I was ready, but I didn’t want to take just any opening, it had to feel right … and this one just felt like a perfect fit.”
“I am truly blessed and honored to be in this position, and can’t thank my wife Sarah for her love and support throughout this process. We are very excited to get going.”
Prior to applying for the Kings Mountain job, Fann said he piqued Hancock's brain as well as that of the outgoing Mountaineer head man. “During those conversations I learned how similar East Lincoln and Kings Mountain are. It really made it easy to see myself part of. I’m ready to get involved and help add to what is already here.”
Though just taking over, Fann said he’s had the opportunity to observe Kings Mountain's boys hoops team during camps this summer.
“I saw them play earlier this summer, and this is a young team that I believe can compete at a high level,” he said. “We’re going to have a mindset that we’re not to be taken lightly. There is size and athleticism here, with a kid in Bradley Floyd who I believe has potential as a freshman and beyond.”
You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Kings Mountain High names Andrew Fann as new boys basketball coach
