Aderholt steps down as basketball coach at Bob Jones

Bob Jones basketball coach Graham Aderholt talks to the team in a time out this season
(Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- Bob Jones men’s basketball coach Graham Aderholt has resigned. He submitted his resignation in a letter to principal Sylvia Lambert the day after a 78-46 loss to Sparkman in the area tournament ended Bob Jones season.

Lambert said that Aderholt resigned by his own decision.

Bob Jones struggled all season, went winless in area play, and finished with a 5-25 record.

Aderholt relied on football players to play key roles on the basketball team this season. They missed a number of preseason practices despite the football team making an early exit from the playoffs.

The team had some tough losses early but they seemed to snowball into a 9 game losing streak at one point.

“It was a challenging season for everyone,” Lambert said. “Losses are difficult for every coach. I respect the positive environment and coaching strategies that Coach Aderholt provided for the team.”

Lambert said there will be a coaching search. That usually involves posting the position and could take several months.

Aderholt is a history teacher at Bob Jones. He was assistant basketball coach for 5 seasons under former coach Danny Petty.

“I support Mr. Aderholt with his future endeavors, and I know he has a very bright future ahead,” Lambert said in a statement issued Monday. “He is a tremendous mentor and role model, outstanding teacher, fine coach, and an upstanding person on our campus. He is well-respected in the classroom and on the court. There is not a finer person to be working with young people than Graham Aderholt.”

It will be the first time in 10 years Bob Jones will search for a new basketball coach. Aderholt was elevated to the head coaching position by former principal Robby Parker on April 4, 2012 the same day Danny Petty announced he was retiring as Bob Jones coach.

In four seasons his record was 46-75. His best season was 2014 when the Patriots finished 19-12 and advanced to the Northwest Regional.