Jake Bankston has been hired as the new head boys basketball coach at Benton High.
Bankston replaces Todd Martinez, who resigned after six seasons,
Bankston has coached at St. Mary’s in Natchitoches the last seven seasons, the last four as boys head coach.
During his four seasons as head coach, Bankston posted an 84-45 record and led St. Mary’s to multiple quarterfinal appearances. He was the 2023-2024 District 3-1A Coach of the Year. Bankston served three years prior to that on the boys and girls teams, where he helped lead St. Mary’s to three state tournament appearances and a state championship game appearance.
“We are looking forward to a bright future for the Tigers under Coach Bankston’s leadership,” Benton principal Whitney Clark said in a press release. “I am certain his positive attitude, high energy and knowledge of the game will be an asset to not only the Benton High Basketball program, but our school community.”
Outside of basketball, Bankston enjoys golfing, lifting weights and spending time with friends and family.
“I am thrilled to accept the Head Boys Basketball position at Benton High School,” Bankston said. “It will be an honor to serve as the Head Coach of this amazing school in this great community. I want to personally thank Mrs. Clark, Coach (Reynolds) Moore and the administrative team for entrusting me to lead this program. We will work tirelessly to build a program with high standards and great expectations. Our goal is to put a team on the floor that Benton High can be proud of.”