News Summary

Tift County High School announces Charles Burkett as the new head coach for the boys’ basketball team, starting May 2025. With over 20 years of coaching experience and a proven track record of leading teams to success, Burkett aims to build upon the high school’s championship traditions. His appointment has excited fans and supporters as he prepares to meet the community. Burkett’s impressive history includes a state championship and international experience, setting a promising tone for the future of Blue Devils basketball.

Exciting New Chapter for Tift County High School Basketball

Tifton, Georgia – Big news is buzzing in Tift County as Charles Burkett has been announced as the new head coach for the Tift County High School boys’ basketball team, starting May 1, 2025. With his impressive resume and a wealth of experience, Burkett is no stranger to the world of basketball coaching, and his appointment is creating quite a buzz among the fans and supporters of the Blue Devils.

Coaching Experience That Speaks Volumes

Burkett brings along more than 20 years of coaching experience to the table, which includes a stellar track record of developing teams that are not just competitive but also championship-caliber. Most recently, he led Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, to a remarkable 28-4 season and a deep run into the playoffs, culminating in a Class 7A state semifinal appearance in the 2024-2025 season.

Before his recent success, Burkett served as the head coach at Hoover High School. There, he guided his team to a coveted state championship in 2015. His coaching journey has been marked by appearances in multiple Final Four games and playoff runs across various programs, showcasing his ability to drive teams to greatness.

A Leader with a Vision

Chris Martin, the Athletic Director for Tift County Schools, has hailed Burkett as a proven leader with a strong vision for developing a winning culture both on and off the court. His commitment to shaping student-athletes into well-rounded individuals makes him an incredible fit for the Tift County community, where athletics play a vital role in shaping young lives.

A Standout Player at College

Before stepping into coaching, Burkett was a force on the basketball court himself. He played college basketball at Jacksonville State University, where he made a name for himself as a standout player. During his time there, he recorded an impressive 72-13 record over three seasons and was a critical part of two Gulf South Conference championship teams, as well as making two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.

Throughout his college career, Burkett scored over 1,300 career points and earned honors such as Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and NCAA All-American during his senior year. His incredible achievements led to his induction into the Jacksonville State Hall of Fame in 2013.

Global Experience Enhances Local Coaching

Burkett has also gained international insights through professional play, spending five years playing basketball across Europe and the Caribbean. This unique experience will surely contribute to his coaching philosophy and equip him to enrich the skills of his players in Tift County.

Record of Success

With an astounding career record of 432-190 over his 21 years as a head coach, Burkett has had 13 seasons where his teams achieved 20 or more wins. He has also secured nine area titles, achieved eight regional final appearances, and made an impressive six Final Four appearances during his coaching career.

Building Upon Championship Traditions

Burkett has made it clear that he intends to build upon Tift County’s rich championship history while fostering growth among student-athletes both on and off the basketball court. He is eager to dive into this new role and work with the future stars of the Blue Devils program.

Meet the New Coach!

For fans eager to learn more about Coach Burkett and his vision for the team, a public meet-and-greet will be scheduled shortly after he officially takes the reins in May. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and welcome their new coach with open arms.

As Burkett takes over the program from Tommy Blackshear, who had a remarkable 40-year coaching career with the Blue Devils—including a state championship win in 1996—the stage is set for an exciting new era of Tift County basketball.

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