Legendary Coach Bakari Bryant Returns to Jenkins High

Bryant led the team to its only state title in 2015 and is now back to lead the program again.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:04am

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An abstract expressionist painting featuring a blurred basketball player driving to the hoop, with vibrant brushstrokes in neon oranges, yellows, and reds capturing the raw energy and passion of high school basketball.Bakari Bryant's return to Jenkins High School basketball promises an energetic new era of championship-caliber play.Savannah Today

Bakari Bryant, who coached Jenkins High School to its only boys basketball state championship in 2015, is returning to lead the program. Bryant coached Jenkins from 2011 to 2018, during which he led the team to three state title games, winning in 2015 and finishing as runner-up in 2016 and 2018. After a stint coaching at New Hampstead High, he is now heading back to the school where he began his head coaching career.

Why it matters

Bryant's return to Jenkins High is a major boost for the school's basketball program, which he led to unprecedented success during his previous tenure. His championship pedigree and ability to develop young talent will be crucial as Jenkins looks to reclaim its spot atop the state's high school basketball landscape.

The details

After coaching Jenkins High from 2011 to 2018, Bryant left to take over the New Hampstead Phoenix program last year. Now, he is returning to Jenkins, the school where he began his head coaching career and led to its only state title in boys basketball in 2015.

  • Bryant coached Jenkins High from 2011 to 2018.
  • He led Jenkins to the state championship in 2015.
  • Bryant coached at New Hampstead High last year.
  • He is now returning to Jenkins High as the head coach.

The players

Bakari Bryant

A legendary high school basketball coach who led Jenkins High School to its only state championship in 2015 and is now returning to the program as head coach.

Jenkins High School

A high school in Savannah, Georgia with a proud basketball tradition that Bryant will look to restore as the new head coach.

New Hampstead High School

The school where Bryant coached last year before deciding to return to Jenkins High, his previous coaching home.

Billy Covington

The new head coach of the New Hampstead Phoenix, taking over the program after Bryant's departure.

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What they’re saying

“It's much more than winning championships. You want to win in life. You want to prepare the young men and young women to win a life. That's why I'm here, my goal is different now.”

— Bakari Bryant, Head Coach, Jenkins High School

What’s next

Bryant will begin his new tenure as head coach of Jenkins High School immediately, leading the team through offseason workouts and preparations for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Bakari Bryant's return to Jenkins High School is a homecoming for one of the state's most successful high school basketball coaches. His championship pedigree and player development expertise will be crucial as Jenkins looks to reclaim its spot as one of Georgia's premier basketball programs.