JCHS Hires New Head Basketball Coach from NBA Atlanta Hawks Staff

 On Saturday (March 22, 2025) Superintendent Renee Smith and JCPS Districtwide Athletic Director Wes Bishop announced the hiring of Parker Stewart as the new Head Basketball Coach for the JCHS. Stewart, who is currently an assistant coach for player development and scouting for the NBA Atlanta Hawks, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. 

Stewart's background includes stints with professional teams in England (Sheffield Sharks) and Serbia (KK Tamis). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, UT Martin, and the University of Pittsburgh, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. While at Indiana University (2021-22), Stewart earned a place on the Academic All-Big Ten team. As a Hoosier, he averaged 6.2 points per game and shot 39.3% from three-point range during coach Mike Woodson's first season in 2021-22. Woodson was previously the Hawks' head coach from 2004-10. Stewart helped Indiana reach the NCAA Tournament as a No. 12 seed before losing in the Round of 64. He joined Indiana during the 2020-21 season under former head coach Archie Miller, but he redshirted and did not play. 

As a sophomore at UT Martin (2019-20), Stewart averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game and was selected for Second-team All-OVC honors, OVC All-Newcomer honors, and NABC All-District 18 Second Team. As a freshman at Pitt, Stewart was part of the Academic All-ACC. At his hometown Union City High School, (Union City, Tennessee), Stewart led the Golden Tornadoes to an 81-25 record over his three-year tenure. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Stewart was a member of the AAU National Champion King James Elite and competed with Team Penny in the prestigious 2016 Nike Peach Jam. 

His transition from the NBA to JCHS marks a significant step in his coaching career, and the Generals are excited to see the impact he will have on the team. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Parker Stewart to the Jackson County Generals family," said Superintendent Renee Smith. Stewart's experience and dedication to player development will be invaluable as the Generals continue to build a competitive and successful basketball program. 
Stewart's appointment is expected to bring new energy and interest to the Generals, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season under his leadership.