FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Tyler Sanders is back as head coach.
Where? Flowery Branch. Who? The Lady Falcons. Yes, you read that correctly: for the first time in his career, the long-time boy's basketball coach will lead a girl's program.
But Sanders says it won't be that big of an adjustment for him.
"I don’t think the differences will be too major," he said about coaching girls. "Still have to focus on fundamentals and playing the game the right way."
The Johnson grad has been an assistant coach on David Hawkins's boys staff for the last two seasons at Flowery Branch. Sanders takes over for Courtney Newton, who stepped down earlier this month.
Before Flowery Branch boys, Sanders spent three seasons as head coach at Lakeview, finishing with a 42-40 overall record and two state tournament appearances. His best season was 17-9 in 2021.
Sanders left North Hall in 2020 with a 94-99 overall record in seven seasons, with four state tournament appearances and one region runner-up. His best season was in 2016, when the Trojans finished 21-8.
Sanders said becoming a head coach again was always his goal.
"Becoming a head coach again at Flowery Branch keeps our family in a good spot as well," he said. "We have always lived in the south end of the county."
The Lady Falcons have historically been a traditional girls' basketball powerhouse, making the playoffs 12 of the last 13 seasons, including two quarterfinal appearances (2016 & 2021), two semifinals (2017 & 2019), and one state runner-up (2018).
But although the Lady Falcons have made the playoffs in the last five of six seasons, they've failed to post a record over .500 in five, including a 4-22, 0-12 Region 8-4A campaign in 2025.
Regardless, Sanders is ready to put his mark on the program that returns two starters from last season, Kinley Hawkins and Kelsey Inman.
"I'm excited to get started with a great group of young ladies and look forward to the work we'll all be putting in to continue to grow the Lady Falcon basketball program," he said.
"I’d like to thank Dr. Carter (principal) and Coach Lawler (AD) for this opportunity. I want to thank Coach Hawkins for bringing me on board and being a part of the boys’ staff for the last two seasons. I’d also like to thank Coach (Courtney) Newton for her help in making this transition as smooth as possible."
Flowery Branch athletics director Jimmy Lawler says Sanders brings a "wealth of knowledge" to the program.
We are excited about having Tyler lead our girl’s program," Lawler said. "He is a hard worker who knows and loves the game. He also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program."
