Michael Stone has been fired as boys' basketball coach at East Hamilton High School.
Stone had been the Hurricanes' coach all five seasons of the program's existence but was informed by school principal Gail Chuy that he would not return as coach next year.
"I was told that I was welcome back as a teacher but that I won't be coaching the basketball team," Stone said. "I informed the team that I wanted to come back and try to turn things around but that I won't be given that chance. It wasn't an administrative decision; it was the principal's decision."
After finishing 17-10 last season, East Hamilton moved up in classification to AAA this year and struggled to a 6-21 record, losing 12 of its last 13 games, including its final eight. According to Stone, two would-be starters did not return to this year's team and the resulting inexperience, along with the move up in classification, factored into the disappointing season.
"He's a fine young man and teacher, but sometimes change has to be made," Chuy said. "This is my second year as principal and I'm evaluating all our programs, not just athletics, to make sure they're moving forward in a positive direction. Looking at boys' basketball, I just felt it was time for a change."
Mosley signs with KCU
South Pittsburg all-state linebacker Payne Mosley has signed a football scholarship with Kentucky Christian University.
Mosley, a three-year starter, ranked among the Pirates' leading tacklers last season and was named the defensive most valuable player in the 2013 Class 1A state championship game after making 19 total tackles, including 11 solos.
"We're really happy for Payne," South Pittsburg coach Tim Moore said. "He's worked hard to earn this and was a good player and good leader for us."
White going to TWC
Whitwell's Chase White signed scholarship papers Monday to continue his baseball career after this season at Tennessee Wesleyan College, which is two years removed from the NAIA national championship.
"First and foremost, he's a high-character kid -- the way he goes about his business off the field and on the field," said Matt McCracken, the Bulldogs' assistant coach who came to Whitwell for the signing. "He's got a great background and a great family, and I think he's going to flourish in our program."
White played outfield for McCracken's Athens-based East Tennessee Bulldogs last summer.
"He's got great speed. He's a great baserunner and tracks the ball well in the outfield, and he has a good arm," McCracken said. "He handles the bat well and can bunt and use his good wheels."