On Tuesday afternoon, Lamont Frazier told his Willard Tigers the news that he would be leaving to become the head basketball coach at Rogers High School in Arkansas.
Frazier was born in southeast Missouri. His decorated playing career included three MSHSAA state titles at Charleston, and he captained the famed 1993-94 Mizzou Tigers team to a 28-4 season and a Big 8 title.
In five years at Willard, Frazier led the Tigers to a 70-63 record, a COC Large title, three district championships and two deep playoff runs. Â But it’s his last season with the Black and White that might be his best.
Following the graduation of Chris Kendrix, the Willard Tigers finished the 2014-15 campaign at 6-19. Â The next year was a little better at 8-18. Â But it’s the drive, discipline and determination Frazier instilled in his Tigers that led them to an 18-10 mark this past winter and a Class-5 state sectional appearance.
It’s going to be a familiar road of building a foundation and moving ahead for Frazier at Rogers.
The Mountaineers play in the largest class of schools in Arkansas. Â Last year, Rogers finished the season on a 15-game losing skid for a 7-20 record; 0-14 in conference play. Â Only once in the past five years has the Mounties made the postseason.
“He just has a lot of qualities you look for in a potential head coach,” Rogers Director of Athletics, Mark Holderbaum said. “His knowledge of the game, his communication, his passion for the game and what he believes in and what he’s going to bring to Mounties basketball as the head coach.”
“He wants our kids to be a positive impression in the school and the community. That’s not just limited to basketball kids. He’s got that feeling toward kids in general, which is a great attribute for any educator.”
The Rogers School Board approved Frazier’s hire Tuesday night at their meeting.
And now it’s Willard’s turn. In addition to finding a new head coach, the Tigers must overcome the graduation of six seniors.  Whomever takes over at the helm, will have dynamic players returning including Kenny Chambers, Kobe Holloman and Quinton Batson.
Willard athletic director, Jeff Staley wanted to pass along how much the school district and community appreciated the past five years Frazier gave them.
Lamont Frazier’s career at Willard:
2016-17 = 18-10, Class 5 Sectional appearance
2015-16 = 8-18
2014-15 = 6-19
2013-14 = 21-7, Class 5 Quarterfinal appearance, COC Large Title
2012-13 = 17-9, Class 5 Sectional appearance
Prior to Willard, Frazier coached five years at Poplar Bluff High School. Before that, he was an assistant for seven years at Central Missouri University and started his coaching career as an assistant at Lincoln University just after graduating from Mizzou.
