Lipscomb Academy coach Ritchie Pickens awards an honorary ball to senior John Matt Merritt in recognition of his 1,000th career point
Ritchie Pickens resigned as Lipscomb Academy’s boys basketball coach on Monday.
Pickens, who tallied 142 wins in nine seasons with the Mustangs, will continue to work at as an administrator at Lipscomb, serving as assistant middle school principal.
“It’s basically time for me to step down and let someone else do it; that’s kind of the decision,” Pickens said. “The young men I got to work with have been incredible. Their work ethic and the high level that they compete at and achieve, especially in 10-AA, every day it’s amazing to me how our guys work. That’s what I’ll take away; all those great memories.”
Pickens led the Mustangs to five region tournament appearances, a pair of region championships, three sectional berths and a Class AA semifinal appearance.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ritchie for more than 25 years and have always been impressed with the passion, toughness and energy his players display,” Lipscomb athletic director Mike Roller said. “Ritchie has poured himself into our boys basketball program, and I could not be more grateful for the work he has done helping mold young men into great leaders.”
The Mustangs finished with a 10-12 regular-season record in 2015-16 before suffering a 44-39 season-ending defeat to Hume-Fogg in last Wednesday’s District 10-AA quarterfinal.
Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.