Six years ago, Anthony Carlyle returned to Yazoo City High School with plans to turn the once-proud program back into a title contender.
The going was rocky at first, but in typical Carlyle fashion he was able to fine tune the Indians into one of the best basketball teams in the State regardless of class over his tenure.
Carlyle led the Indians to the Class 4A state title in 2022-2023 and after Yazoo City jumped to Class 5A this season, Carlyle guided the Indians back to the title game again, this time resulting in a runner-up finish.
The six-time championship coach is now headed to Class 7A Starkville High School in search of yet another state title.
The end is bittersweet for Carlyle and the Indian faithful and was not a decision that was easily made.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make and the first one I had to make without my dad (Mississippi legendary coach Archie Carlyle) and my guy Frankie Reed helping me,” said Carlyle. “I want to thank Yazoo City for allowing me to be a small part of this great basketball program over the last six years. It was a dream come true to come back home and devote my time to get our program back to the level of respect it deserves. Some of the things we were able to accomplish exceeded my initial goals when deciding to come back home and that was because of the dedication from the players, coaches, fans, administration and community support.”
“The relationships that have been made over the last six years is what I will cherish the most. Watching the players become the best version of themselves, talking wiht fans, laughing for hours with my assistant coaches, traveling with the team and showing them different experiences has been bigger than any gold ball that we won.”
Carlyle continued, “It is my hope going forward that the program will continue to rise. Fans should continue to support the program and the new coach. Yazoo City is home for me and I will always do what I can to support. I will forever love and cherish the memories that were made.”
