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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – A longtime Jamestown High School basketball coach is stepping away from the court after 25 seasons leading the team.
Ben Drake stepped down as head coach of the Jamestown High School varsity boys basketball program.
Drake, the school’s all-time wins leader and a 1990 JHS graduate, will continue in his role as the district’s athletic director.
“It has been an honor and privilege to be the basketball coach for the Jamestown Red Raiders for the last 25 years,” said Drake in a statement. “I have been fortunate to have coached some great players who loved the game, were very coachable, and worked extremely hard. The life-long relationships that I have forged with so many players are what I cherish the most.”
Drake’s announcement ends a coaching tenure that has turned Jamestown into one of the state’s elite basketball programs, amassing 425 wins including three appearances in the New York State Public High School Association Final Four, most recently in 2022.
“In many ways, this was a difficult decision,” continued Drake. “I still love coaching. I still love teaching the game of basketball, but it’s the right decision and I know it’s time. There are seasons in life. My next season is going to turn more towards family and ministry. We have six children and one grandchild ranging in ages from 2-24, and with Trey and Marley headed off to college, we look forward to being able to go watch them play and have the flexibility to do that.”
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