Williams named next head coach of Jefferson City Boys Basketball

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City High School has found the new leader of its boys basketball program. The Jefferson City School District announced on Thursday that Ethan Williams will be the next head coach of the Jays Boys Basketball team, replacing former head coach Josh Buffington who stepped down from the position at the end of the 2023-24 season.

“Stepping into the role of head boys basketball coach at Jefferson City High School is an honor and a dream come true,” Williams said in Thursday's press release. “I plan on continuing the success and tradition of Jays Basketball through discipline, dedication and hard work, and I look forward to being a part of the JC Schools family and Jefferson City community for years to come.”

Williams spent the last 12 years at Fatima High School, serving as both a baseball and basketball assistant coach. During his assistant coaching career with the Comets, Williams helped lead Fatima to six district titles, three final four appearances and one state championship.

“We are excited to welcome Ethan Williams to the Jefferson City High School coaching staff. The applicant pool was very competitive, and we believe Ethan’s experience will set up our team for both short and long-term success,” Jefferson City High School Activities Director Ehren Earleywine said in a press release. “He is one of the best young, up-and-coming coaches in the state, and we are confident he will have a positive impact on our Jay basketball program and players.”

Pending approval from the Jefferson City Schools Board of Education, Williams will also serve as an assistant activities director at Jefferson City High School.

Jefferson City Boys Basketball has made back-to-back appearances in the MSHSAA Final Four, earning a third place finish during the 2022-23 campaign and a second place finish last season.