Neely, head coach of the Greer Yellow Jackets, was an assistant coach for the North team during the 2005-2006 season.
“It’s a great honor, ”Neely said. “When the season is over and you’re at the beach with the best basketball players in the state it’s a lot of fun.”
Neely and assistant coaches Mark Kirlough of Columbia and Robin Scott of Emerald are exchanging e-mails, phone calls and information to get prepared for Feb. 12, Selection Sunday, for the all-stars. They will meet in Columbia to make their selections.
Also during this time Neely is trying to coach the Yellow Jackets into the Region III-3A playoffs. Greer played Clinton tonight.
Neely’s son, Joseph, played for the North all-stars last year. “I would have loved to have coached last year,” Neely said.
“There’s a lot of pressure,” Neely said. “I don’t want to leave a kid out. There’s a lot of work and responsibility to make sure we pick the best kids.”
All-Star Coaches
North Men
Head Coach: Jeff Neely, Greer
Assistant: Mark Kirlough, Columbia
Assistant: Robin Scott, Emerald
South Men
Head Coach: Greg Elliott, Summerville
Assistant: Jeremiah Faber, Ridgeland
Assistant: Stewart, Timberland
SC Men
Head Coach: Ron McKie, Camden
Assistant: Dwayne Hartsoe, Fort Mill
North Women
Head Coach: Gail Johnson, Ridge S. Monetta
Assistant: Precious Caldwell, Eau Claire
Assistant: Rafael Traynum, BHP
South Women
Head Coach: Lonnie Roberts, Bluffton
Assistant: Tim Baldwin, Goose Creek
Assistant: Sonya Burgess, Kingstree
SC Women
Head Coach: Sharon Dillon, Spartanburg
Assistant: Darren Mazyck, CE Murray