APA hires Taylor as new boys' basketball coach

By Junious Smith III

Arendell Parrott Academy had big shoes to fill for its boys’ basketball program, and Glen Taylor looks to step into them.

Taylor was recently named the Patriots’ head boys’ basketball coach after former coach Dory Hines resigned. Hines spent two years at the helm and three as an assistant. His best year came in the 2017-18 season when he led APA to 14 wins — its highest total in more than a decade — along with the team’s first playoff appearance since 2011. The Patriots also hosted their first postseason home game since 2004 and defeated Rocky Mount Faith Christian.

Taylor certainly has an impressive resume, winning more than 350 games in his 19-year coaching career, including stints at Merry Hill Lawrence Academy, Henderson Kerr-Vance Academy, Concord Cannon School and Christchurch School (Va.). Taylor has coached 55 players who went on to receive NCAA athletic scholarships — 23 at the Division I level — and had seven former players reach the professional level, three in the NBA.

“This is a school I’ve been familiar with over the last 30 years,” Taylor said. “I went to Lawrence Academy, so I’ve played against Parrott and over the years I did the same in my coaching career. For us, APA was the Tahj Mahal of private schools in the area, so it’s definitely a blessing to be here, especially for someone who is from Eastern North Carolina.”

Last season, Taylor coached Asheville Carolina Day, who defeated APA on the road 69-55 on Dec. 15. Taylor said he liked the qualities of the Patriots’ program and is excited to pick up where Hines left off.

“The number one thing I’ve enjoyed over the years is helping to rebuild programs,” Taylor said. “I pride myself in that and I’m excited to continue what started with coach Hines. Last year, I was impressed by the scrappiness and grit they showed on the court — they reminded me of my guys.

“I’ve always looked to have tough, hard-nosed teams out there on the court, and I define being tough from a mental and physical perspective. We’ll look to be the most prepared team each night and I’ll demand unselfishness from the players.”

Rising freshman Tomir Moore said he’s ready for the upcoming season.

“He seems like a great guy and he’s helped guide a lot of his former players to college, D1 schools and the NBA,” Moore said. “For me, I’m just going to keep working, not make stupid decisions and have a strong mindset.”

APA headmaster Bert Bright said Taylor was the perfect choice.

“I’ve known him for decades, having coached against him in the past,” Bright said. “He’s a class act and I know he’ll do wonderful things for our program. It was a combination of him wanting to be closer to home and work with a good program, and it worked out well for everyone.”

Hines said APA has nothing to worry about with Taylor.

“Glen is a good guy and the program will be in good hands,” Hines said. “He’s got a lot of experience, so the guys will be able to learn plenty from him next season and beyond.”