Bouknight Moves to Ben Lippen, ALA Seeks New Coach

0:00On March 26, Tyson Book Knight is stepping down as boy's basketball coach at American Leadership Academy in Lexington after just two seasons. The 47-year-old led the Patriots to a strong 20 wins and 9 losses record this year, reaching the Class 2A upper-stay championship. Now he's moving on to join the staff at Ben Lippin as a varsity assistant under head coach Jay Reed. Both Book Knight and Reed grew up playing at Lexington High under the same coach, Bailey Harris. Making this a bit of a homecoming, Book Knight cited an irresistible offer from Ben Lippin, plus some frustrations with his current school's gym setup, which doubles as a cafeteria and lacks a proper hardwood floor. A new facility might not be ready until next year. Book Knight has deep roots in the area, starring on Lexington's 1996 state championship team during his playing days in the mid-90s. He built ALA's program from scratch, blending transfers with last year's seven wins and 18 losses squad, fueled by 13 seniors for that.

1:01Playoff push. Before ALA, he coached at spots like Lexington High, White Know, and Pleasant Hill Middle. This leaves American Leadership Academy hunting for its next coach, joining a wave of openings around the Midlands. Schools like Gilbert Swansea, Spring Valley, Richland Northeast, and the new American leadership Blithewood campus starting in 2026. 27 are all posting vacancies. Her bluff just filled theirs by hiring Will Clark from Dorman. Local basketball coaching staffs are shuffling fast this off season, setting the stage for some fresh starts across the region.