This past year saw Bailey Harris step down as basketball coach at Lexington High School after 36 years.

He did not, however, step away from coaching and basketball altogether.

Harris remained as Wildcats’ boys’ cross-country team head coach and led the program to a Region 5-5A and Class 5A Lower State title and 3rd place overall at the state meet.

In December, Harris accepted the position of Director of Basketball and Coaches Development at SCISA school Ben Lippen.

“I’m helping coaches of multiple sports with A to Z,” he said. “It’s a lot different from being a head coach in that it’s not my team or my decision. I’m there to help guide coaches and also have interaction with the athletes as well.”

Harris was attracted to Ben Lip-pen by its “Christian school environment” and its support for young people. He wants to help further the school’s mission by being a ‘positive influence’ on them, drawing from his past experiences as a teacher and coaching legend.

As for the ‘coaching itch’, Harris said remaining with the cross-country team and attending practices at Ben Lippen and watching some of his former players turned head coaches has alleviated those urges.

The holiday season saw much of Harris’ ‘coaching tree’ in action:

•Thomas Ryan led defending 3-time Class 5A champion Dorman to the Beachball Classic title in Myrtle Beach.

•Devin Liferidge of White Knoll led the Timberwolves to a 3rd place finish at the Poinsetta Classic of Greenville.

•Brett Jones and 2nd ranked Dutch Fork placed 4th at the inaugural Cayce Round-ball Classic at Brookland-Cayce High School.