A Local Legend Returns to Cabarrus County
Ishua Benjamin, a standout basketball player from Concord and a former North Carolina State standout, has been appointed head coach of the West Cabarrus High School varsity team. The announcement comes after Benjamin spent four seasons at Cary Academy, where he compiled a 53‑36 record and guided the program to steady improvement.
West Cabarrus finished the previous season with a 16‑12 record, marking the team's first winning campaign since the 2022‑23 year. Benjamin will look to build on that foundation as he returns to the county where he first honed his skills on the high school hardwood.
During his collegiate career at N.C. State in the 1990s, Benjamin averaged 10.7 points and 3.7 assists per game. He earned the prestigious Mr. Basketball honor from The Charlotte Observer after a high school senior season that saw him post 20.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 5.3 steals per game.
The Charlotte Observer also recognized him as a fourth‑team Parade All‑American and listed him among the nation's top point guards, ranking him No. 10 by recruiting analyst Van Coleman. Coleman’s endorsement adds a layer of national attention to Benjamin’s new role.
Benjamin’s deep roots in the area and his proven coaching record position him to bring new energy to the program.