Homecoming for PCHS alum Benford, named Bobcats’ head boys’ basketball coach
Shannon Benford is right where he wants to be. The Phil Campbell High School class of 1997 alumnus was announced as the new head coach of the Bobcats’ varsity boys’ basketball team last week and is excited to be in charge of the program at his alma mater.
“It’s pretty awesome. I’ve always wanted to come back ever since I graduated, but it just hadn’t worked out until now. But I’m tickled to be back and my family is glad I’m back, so I’m really excited,” Benford said. “I know a lot of the kids and the kids’ parents. I graduated from high school myself with a lot of the parents who have kids playing for me now. It’s just really exciting to be back at home.”
“I’m really appreciative of (Principal Bart) Moss and (Superintendent Greg) Hamilton for giving me this opportunity,” he added.
Prior to returning to Phil Campbell, Benford was the head boys’ basketball coach at Tharptown High School from 2017 to 2021, leading the Wildcats to the 1A playoffs in 2017. He was also the head baseball coach there from 2016 to 2021. Benford also had coaching stints at West Limestone and Cullman. In addition to his head coaching duties at Phil Campbell, Benford also assists with the varsity football and baseball teams.
In a statement released on social media, Phil Campbell High School principal Bart Moss said Benford’s experience will be of great value to the Bobcats.
“I have known Coach Benford for a long time. He loves sports and loves the game of basketball. I think he will be a great asset to our basketball program and boys athletics in general. He coached my son at Tharptown, so I trust he will give his best effort to Phil Campbell High School. He brings a wealth of experience to our program and he has a good rapport with all of our coaches,” Moss said.
Though Benford has just picked up the reins, he said his Bobcats are already preparing for next season.
“We’ve had tryouts and we’ve started summer practices and I think we’re going to add a couple play dates,” he said. “We’re rolling and I’m really looking forward to it.”
When the Bobcats do take the court next season, Benford said fans can expect his team to play a fast, up-tempo style of basketball.
“We’re going to run-and-gun,” he said. “We’re going to be small with a couple of big guys, but we’re going to run-and-gun. I’ve got a boat load of sophomores, so we’re going to be fairly young with not a whole lot of varsity experience, but we’re going to try to run the floor and get after you on defense, too.”
It’s very early but at first glance, even with the youth that Benford mentioned, the new coach said he expects his Bobcats can push the other teams in Area 15 for a place in the postseason.
“Of course, Mars Hill is the defending state champion and they’re in our area, so they’ll obviously be tough,” he said. “The other two teams are Sheffield and Colbert Heights, so I think we can be competitive and go for a playoff spot. We’re going to be young, but I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”