One year after winning the 2024 state championship, Lexington boys basketball coach Elliott Pope has resigned. 

Pope announced his decision on social media and said he intends to pursue a master's in educational administration at the University of South Carolina. 

“After six seasons at Lexington High School, I have made the decision to step down from my role as head coach,” Pope said. “This decision comes as I pursue a master’s degree in educational administration, a long-held personal and professional goal. Leading these young men and being part of the Lexington community has been an immense privilege. I’m deeply grateful for the support of the players, their families and the entire community. The memories and achievements we’ve shared, especially our 2024 5A state championship, will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

In six years, Pope led the Wildcats to 92 wins, five winning seasons, consecutive 20-win seasons and two region championships. The team made the 5A state semifinals in 2023 before losing Dorman. 

The next year, Lexington broke through and won the program’s first state championship since 2000 after defeating Byrnes 67-48. 

The team had a down year in 2025, finishing the season 4-19 and winless in region play. The team no longer had stars Cam Scott and Jaxon Prunty, who graduated in 2024, and lost Kaleb Evans, who transferred to a school in North Carolina midseason. 

Before Lexington, Pope was a head coach at two schools in North Carolina. He was also the athletic director at Mountain Island Lake Academy, a K-8 school in Charlotte. 

Pope is looking to stay in the area and pursue an administrative position after finishing his degree.

The next Lexington will have big shoes to fill. The job is now open for the first time since Pope took over for Hall of Fame coach Bailey Harris. Harris spent years as Lexington’s basketball and cross country coach, winning the school’s two previous boys basketball titles.