By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

BAY ST. LOUIS — Bay High head basketball coach Kelton Thompson, who led both the Tigers and Lady Tigers programs for the past several seasons, is stepping down from both posts effective immediately.

Thompson confirmed his decision in an exclusive interview with SouthMiss6 Sports Monday afternoon.

“With great sadness, I have stepped down as head basketball Coach for the girls and boys programs at Bay High.” Thompson said. “I would like to thank Dr. Sandra Reed, and the Bay – Waveland School District, for the last five years and the opportunity to lead both of the programs. My decision was solely based on the fact that the athletic director and principal are making changes to the scheduling and structure of the program that I felt were detrimental to the ability of the programs to succeed at a high level.”

Thompson is leaving after leading both teams into the Class 4A South State playoffs for each of the past three seasons, as well as the past five seasons for the Lady Tigers.

“When I first got into education, my high school coach, Jay Ladner, told me a story about how the leaders at St. Stanislaus ran the school,” Thompson continued. “He said every single decision they make, was based on one simple question, ‘Is this in the best interest of the kids’. If it is, they do it, if it isn’t, they don’t. I have tried to live by that every step of the way in my coaching/ teaching career.  I just felt like the changes made did not adhere to this standard for me.”

Thompson was in his second tenure at the helm of the Tigers. He led Bay High to the Class 4A state championship in 2010. That still marks the one and only ever state basketball title for the boy’s program in the history of that program.

He returned to the Tigerdome to take over the Lady Tigers in 2020, and then added back the Tigers coaching responsibilities to his duties three years ago for the first time since leading them to that historic milestone a little over a decade before.

Since taking over both teams, he has led each to the postseason every campaign including a region title apiece and an Elite Eight appearance in 2023 for the Tigers.

Also, that marked just the third ever trip to that round for the Tigers in school history, including 2010 and 2012, with all of those coming under Thompson’s guidance.

Also, the Lady Tigers have averaged 20 wins per season over the past four years. The Bay High girls had won 17 games total in the three previous seasons before his arrival.

“I know both programs are very healthy and headed in the right direction,” he added. “I started a youth league for the community this year and am excited to see its effect on Basketball in the community.”

An immediate search is on for his predecessors.

“To all my players and parents, I can not thank you enough for all that you have done for this program and me and my family.” Thompson concluded. “Speaking for my wife Chelsea, son Kain, and expected daughter Memphis…our time together has been truly special.

“I have no idea what the future may hold…I planned on finishing my career at Bay High, but as we all know life is all about change, and whatever it brings, we will embrace it.”