JA, CA announce new girls basketball head coaches

Both Jackson Academy and Canton Academy announced the hire of new head coaches to lead their girls basketball programs over the last week. 

Jackson Academy completed their first girls basketball head coaching search in 40 years, following the retirement of the legendary Jan Sojourner. The Lady Raiders program announced the appointment of Central Hinds Academy head coach and athletic director Henry Gantz as their next head coach. 

“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to coach at Jackson Academy,” Gantz said in a statement released by Jackson Academy. “There are so many reasons to be excited, but what stands out most is the chance to work alongside the dedicated JA staff and be part of a community filled with exceptional students and families. I feel confident we can continue the winning culture JA girls basketball has enjoyed for so many years and the incredible foundation that Coach Sojourner has built.”

Gantz was one of the most successful coaches in the state over the last ten seasons at Central Hinds, winning back-to-back MAIS 4A state titles and coach of the year awards in 2023 and 2024. Now, Gantz will look to continue the foundation that was laid by Sojourner and will be the first coach other than Sojourner to grace the sidelines for the Lady Raider program in 40 years. 

Canton Academy recently announced the rehiring of Ben Williams to lead their girls basketball program. 

Williams has been at Canton Academy for the last 16 years and has led multiple athletic programs for the school during that span. He currently leads the track and cross country teams and teaches science at Canton Academy, which he will continue along with coaching girls basketball. 

Williams is an eleven-time MAIS Coach of the Year and previously led the Lady Panther program. Williams replaces Jacob Iles, who led the program since 2023.