Gastonia native handed keys to Cabarrus County hoops program

A former Ashbrook athletic standout and coach has been tasked with helping launch a Cabarrus County basketball program.

Jabarr Adams has been given the keys to the West Cabarrus High School boys basketball program, the Gastonia native named its first head coach on Tuesday.

“First, I just want to give all honor and praise to God for growing my passion and love for high school basketball,” Adams said in a prepared statement. “I’d like to thank (West Cabarrus High) principal (Todd) Smith and (athletic director Phil) Furr for granting me such a prestigious opportunity to build their inaugural basketball program at West Cabarrus. Together, I know that we will do great things for our athletes and the community that will be centered around academics and athletics.”

He arrives at the Concord-based school following two seasons at Mallard Creek, guiding it to consecutive postseason appearances - including the program’s only home playoff win.

A three-sport athlete at Ashbrook, Adams was a two-time all-conference performer on the basketball court. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant before departing to take the Mallard Creek job.

Adams also served as an assistant coach at the college level with Tarleton State (Texas), Montevallo (Alabama) and Northeastern State (Oklahoma).

“In Jabarr, we’ve added a young energetic coach who brings playoff experience at the high school level and conference championship experience at the (Division II) level. He is dedicated to working hard and understands what it takes to help young people succeed at the next level.”

West Cabarrus High is scheduled to open in August.

You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.

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