Cape Fear's newly hired basketball coach 'ready to be in the conversation' ahead of new season

Cape Fear basketball has a new man in charge ahead of the 2024–25 high school year.

Former Colts basketball player and JV head coach Rico Mitchell has been named the new varsity head coach after the departure of Alphonza Kee over the summer.

Mitchell brings 10 years of experience to the Colts locker room this winter after serving as JV, varsity soccer and track coach.

Rico Mitchell was also a basketball player under John Lucchino at Cape Fear and graduated in 2006.

CAPE FEAR FOOTBALL: Summer Grind: Cape Fear football embraces 'warrior mindset' ahead of 2024 season

"It's an honor and a privilege. And I'm extremely passionate about the opportunity," Mitchell said. "I'm looking forward to seeing us grow over the next few years. My biggest goal is to produce model citizens."

Over the past two seasons as JV head coach, Mitchell combined 30 total wins and only nine losses for the program and is looking to do the same for the varsity squad, which finished fifth in the United 8 conference with a 9-15 overall record and 6-8 in the conference.

"We're looking to play with continuity," Mitchell said. "Last year we were junior-heavy, so we're going to rely on team chemistry next season, from this year's seniors."

Cape Fear has never won the United 8 outright, and the last time they won the conference was in 2007 in the Two Rivers conference, when they finished 10-3.

VOTE 910PREPS PRESEASON OPOY: Vote here for your choice of 910Preps Preseason Offensive Player of the Year

VOTE 910PREPS PRESEASON DPOY: Vote here for your choice of 910Preps Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

"One of my goals is to keep us in the mix and at the top of the conference," Mitchell said.

"We're in a dead period right now, but as soon as it's over, I'm excited to get things rolling, and implement our new plans."

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cape Fear's newly hired basketball coach 'ready to be in the conversation' ahead of new season