OAKWOOD — Johnson High will have a familiar face taking over its boys basketball program.
Johnson Principal Stan Lewis and Athletic Director Jonathan Edwards announced Friday that Tyler Whitlock, a former Flowery Branch assistant, has been named to take over the Knights, pending board approval.
Whitlock will replace Tim Slater, who stepped down as head coach of the Knights at the conclusion of the 2016-17 school year. Whitlock has ten (10) years coaching experience, including two as head coach at White County. Most recently Whitlock served as an assistant coach to Frederick Hurt at West Forsyth.
Early in his career Whitlock was on the staff of Todd Cottrell, current head coach at Lakeview Academy, when Cottrell was head coach at Flowery Branch.
“We feel like Coach Whitlock has the experience and skill to address the needs of the entire program," Lewis said. "His passion for the game, his tenacity, and his heart for kids make him a great fit for JHS. We are very excited about the future.”
“Coach Whitlock’s focus is on developing young men through the game of basketball, and that makes him the perfect fit for us at Johnson," Edwards said. "He has a very sharp basketball mind, is an excellent teacher of the game, and is a program builder. He is a man of high character, and we are very excited about the future of Johnson basketball.”
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the wonderful staff at Johnson," Whitlock said. "There is a solid core of returning players this year and a lot young and upcoming talent. Our goal is to get this community excited and rejuvenated about the boys’ basketball program here at Johnson once again."
