At 73 years old, former St. Patrick boys basketball coach Lex Turner will be returning to the sidelines to lead the Saints – a position he previously held for 28 seasons from 1976-77 to 2003-04.
Turner won 365 games during his time at St. Patrick. His teams won the 10th Region All “A” Classic three times in 1995, 1999, and 2000, and two district titles in 1997 and 2000.
Lex Turner told 10thRegion.com:
After giving up coaching 20 years ago, I never thought about getting back into it. But I watched this team struggle the past couple of years due to youth and inexperience. Then this year, they lost their coach due to a medical issue in the preseason. They had a hard time the first week of the season due to a difficult schedule that included four games (three against district opponents) with only one practice during that time. I decided I needed to try to help, so I offered to become an assistant to Chris Bauer. By the end of the season, they improved both as a team and as individuals. When the position opened up, I decided to take the head job. I’m excited for the challenge and opportunity to work with the team again and our assistants, James Hubbard, Jakarr Frye, and Garrett Tessmer. I believe in this team and think we can have a successful season.
He replaces Tony Moore, who has been the coach since 2020-21, and will be joining Bracken County’s staff as the freshman coach, per Danny Weddle.
Here is the official release:
St. Patrick Athletic Department is excited to announce Lex Turner as the new head varsity basketball coach for the Saints for the 2025-26 season. Coach Turner is a veteran coach and highly respected in the basketball community. He was the interim coach this past season with Chris Bauer. The team showed steady improvement throughout the season under their leadership. We appreciate Coach Bauer for his time and dedication to the Saints Basketball Program this past season. Jakarr Frye, James Hubbard and Garrett Tesmer will continue their roles as assistant coaches. Coach Turner will also continue to be the head coach of both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams.
Special thanks to Coach Tony Moore for being a vital part of our Saints basketball program for many years. His dedication to St. Patrick School and our student-athletes is appreciated and admired. We wish Coach Moore the best of luck in his future endeavors.
St. Patrick athletic director Angie Brant told 10thRegion.com:
“St. Patrick School appreciates Coach Turner’s decision to return to lead the Saints basketball program. Coach has been a great mentor to me over the years, offering advice and ideas to better our school and sports programs. I look forward to working with Coach Turner, seeing the team improve under his leadership, and watching his love of the game on the sidelines.”
