Phil James has been appointed as the new girls' basketball coach at Pine Forest High School, bringing with him a decade and a half of coaching experience that spans basketball, football and track. His background includes a tenure as the junior varsity coach at Terry Sanford High School, where he compiled a 12‑5 record and honed his ability to nurture talent in a competitive environment.
James, a 1999 graduate of Terry Sanford, returns to the region with a clear vision: to build a program that excels not only on the scoreboard but also in the classroom. He emphasizes accountability, player development and academic achievement as the three pillars of his coaching philosophy.
A New Era for the Trojans
The Trojans' program enters a rebuilding phase after finishing with a 9‑4 record in the shortened 2020‑21 season, the best performance the team has posted in recent years. James is targeting a winning season above .500 for the first time since that campaign, hoping to restore consistent competitiveness to the squad.
Beyond the pursuit of victories, he envisions a culture that prioritizes community involvement and personal growth. By fostering strong relationships among players, families and the broader Fayetteville area, James aims to make Pine Forest basketball a source of lasting pride.