South named RHS basketball coach

RUSSELLVILLE — Jim South has been named the new basketball coach for the RHS Golden Tigers.

South has served as head coach at Colbert County, Mars Hill and, most recently, at Sheffield. His connection with Russellville High Athletic Director Darrell Higgins factored into the hire.

“We coached six years together at Mars Hill, and we’ve known each other for quite some time,” South said.

Higgins said as soon as the job became available, he thought of South.

“I’ve seen him firsthand. I know how he works the kids and what kind of leader he is.”

South outlined his goals for the program.

“We’re going to bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy. We’re going to try to continue the legacy of Russellville basketball, which has a great history and tradition.”

He also described the style of play he expects from his team.

He pointed to player development as a priority.

“Basketball has always been a platform for me to reach kids,” South said. “Basketball and sports are going to end one day, and we want them to be ready for life.”

He said he values building player relationships and developing players to be the best they can.

“We’ve got to work on our youth because they’re the future of our program.”

Higgins described his expectations for the program.

“What the kids are getting out of the program matters. That includes life lessons, discipline and accountability,” he said. “We want a very tough-minded team that works hard and gets the most out of the talent.”

Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn shared his enthusiasm for the hire.

“We certainly want to welcome Jim South to Russellville,” Guinn said. “We’re proud to have a man of integrity, a man with passion and drive.”

South is expected to begin June 1 after completing his current teaching responsibilities as a math instructor at Sheffield.