Photo by Annette Wilkerson
Ben Witherspoon resigns as Dr. Phillips' boys basketball coach
After leading the Dr. Phillips (Florida) boys basketball team to back-to-back FHSAA state championship game appearances, Ben Witherspoon announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Witherspoon, who just finished his third season with the Panthers, made the announcement on Twitter.
"I would like to thank the administration at Dr. Phillips High School for giving me the opportunity," Phillips said. "Also, I would like to thank our players for their commitment to each other, me, the school and mostly our program."
Witherspoon led the Panthers to their first Florida boys basketball state title in school history in 2021, where they defeated Dwyer 54-46.
The Panthers finished the 2021-2022 season with a 26-6 record and lost in the 7A state championship game (45-44) to Columbus. Witherspoon compiled a record of 70-17 over his three season.
The Panthers spent most of the season ranked in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 national boys basketball rankings. They dropped out of the rankings after their state title game loss to Columbus.
“I have always wanted to coach at the collegiate level since I began my coaching career,” Witherspoon added on Twitter.
Witherspoon finished fourth in the voting for Florida Boys Basketball Coach of the Year, trailing Martin County’s John Leon, Lake Highland Prep’s Ben Fratrik and Calvary Christian Academy’s Cilk McSweeney.
Prior to Dr. Phillips, Witherspoon coached at Ocoee, Cypress Creek and Montverde Academy.
Dr. Phillips athletic director Steve McHale said the school has no comment on candidates to replace Witherspoon.
