PELHAM, Ga. (WALB) — Pelham has long been a basketball town, and new head coach Jakori Edwards says that community support is a big reason he wanted the job.

“Pelham has always been a town that supports its basketball team — a town that fills the stands and gets the city rocking,” Edwards said. “It’s a small town, but they care about the kids and the athletics here, and I wanted to be a part of that — help it thrive and take it to the next level.”

From Sylvester to Pelham

Edwards is a South Georgia native, born and raised in Sylvester. He got his start as a student assistant at Worth County High School before working on staff at Morehouse. Most recently, he was part of a Lee County program that reached a state title game, made two final four runs and won three straight region championships.

‘More than a coach’

Edwards said one of his biggest takeaways from his time in Leesburg was the importance of being a resource for players beyond the court.

“Some of the traditions I learned at Lee County, I want to bring here — being more than a coach,” Edwards said. “That’s something Coach Davis was big on: somebody they can come to outside of basketball. If you need help with anything — whether it’s life advice, schoolwork, or just help in general — I want to be that figure for my players here.”

Big region, big focus: defense

Even with region realignment, the Hornets remain in the state’s largest region, with 14 schools — meaning a demanding road to the top. Edwards said Pelham’s identity will start on the defensive end.

“The biggest thing for me this year is defense,” Edwards said. “One of our goals is to be one of the best defensive teams in the region. Anybody we play — region or non-region — when you play Pelham, you’re going to have to scheme a little bit, and you’re going to have to overcome our defensive energy.”

Edwards believes if the Hornets can establish that defensive standard, the rest will follow — culture, confidence and wins — in a town that already knows how to show up for basketball.

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