West Jessamine hires ex-Lafayette coach Kelley

By Mike Fields - mfields@herald-leader.com

Damon Kelley is the new boys' basketball coach at reigning 12th Region champion West Jessamine.

Kelley replaces Robert Hammonds, who guided the Colts to the Sweet Sixteen semifinals and a 28-9 record before leaving to become coach and assistant principal at Letcher County Central.

Kelley was at Lafayette for 14 years — seven as an assistant (including when the Generals won the 2001 state title), and the last seven as head coach. He had a record of 90-108, highlighted by an 11th Region title in 2004. He was fired three months ago after Lafayette made a surprising run to the region semifinals and finished 11-19.

Kelley, 33, said he was never told why he wasn't rehired, "but I've always believed things happen for a reason, and now I see what it is.

"I think I'm walking into a great situation at West Jessamine. There's a lot of experience coming back, and we should have a chance to compete for the 12th Region title next season, and several years beyond."

The Colts will return five of their top eight players, led by high-scoring point guard Jarrod Polson, along with Kyle Mefford, David Elliott, Dylan Pohl and Keston Bartholomew.