| Williams resigns from Lenoir City By JESSE SMITHEY, knoxnews.com Tony Williams has resigned as the Lenoir City High School boys' basketball coach. Williams coached the Panthers the past three seasons. He is a 1992 graduate of Lenoir City and played on the last Panthers team to win a region title and secure a sectional (substate) berth. "I feel like it's time for me to move forward," said Williams. "I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had at Lenoir City, and the lessons I've learned. Hopefully, I'll use those and grow and become a better person and coach." Williams told his players the news Friday. "It was very difficult to stand up in front of the guys you went to war with and tell them you're moving on," said Williams, who played basketball at Roane State and Tennessee Wesleyan. "You watch them grow as players and people. I've got super kids." In Williams' first season (2004-05), the Panthers went 15-16, advancing to the Region 2-AA tournament. The last two seasons, Lenoir City has played in Class AAA and hasn't fared as well. "I had a strong group of kids coming back for next year," said Williams. "They still may be, depending on who they bring in as coach." |