A New Era in Jacket Country: Coach Derius Kelly Takes the Reins at Lexington High School

By Thomas Martin Sr.

There is a distinct, unmistakable energy breathing through the halls of Lexington High School as winter approaches. High school basketball in North Carolina is more than just a sport—it is a community ritual, a Friday night sanctuary, and a source of deep local pride. For the Lexington Yellow Jackets, this season marks the dawn of an inspiring new chapter under the leadership of newly appointed Head Coach Derius Kelly.

Coach Kelly’s appointment is far more than a simple coaching hire; it is a homecoming deeply rooted in faith, legacy, and tradition. Kelly is the son of the late, great Apostle Kelly of the New Faith Worship Center right here in Lexington. The spiritual foundation, integrity, and servant-leadership instilled by his father are evident in everything Kelly touches.

Furthermore, Kelly’s basketball pedigree is woven directly into the fabric of Yellow Jacket history. He honed his craft playing under the legendary guidance of the late, great Roscoe Turner Sr. and Coach Robert Hairston—two iconic figures who helped shape Lexington basketball into a respected powerhouse. Beyond his duties on the hardwood, Kelly serves as a dedicated educator on the faculty at LSHS, proving his commitment to shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the court.

For Kelly, taking the helm of his alma mater is nothing short of a lifelong goal realized.

"It's a dream come true," Kelly shared, his excitement evident as he discussed stepping into the role.

A Culture Built on Grit, Teaching, and High Expectations

Coach Kelly takes over a Yellow Jacket program undergoing a pivotal transformation. He is clear-eyed about the journey ahead and transparent about what it will take to return Lexington to the top.

"We are in a rebuild stage, but we’re going to play hard and with grit every single night with this new group of kids," Kelly emphasized.

His primary expectation for this season isn't wrapped up in empty promises or superficial claims; it is built on old-school work ethic. Kelly wants a group of young men who are locked in, hungry, and unwilling to take a single night off. Because the roster features a heavy mix of underclassmen, Kelly acknowledges that patience and instruction will be central to their growth.

"We’re a young team, and there are going to be a lot of teaching moments that can help them become a better group," Kelly noted. Every practice, film session, and game will serve as a building block for a program looking to establish an unshakeable foundation.

Honor the Veteran Leadership, Elevate the Young Talent

Every successful rebuild requires a balance between veteran leadership and fresh blood. The Yellow Jackets will rely heavily on a core group of returning leaders who understand the physical and mental demands of varsity basketball:

Original Sifford – The team’s returning top scorer, whose offensive firepower and court vision will be crucial in setting the tone.

Ta’Norris Payne Jr. – A steady presence bringing toughness and experience to the rotation.

Cole Porter – A dependable contributor looking to lock down key minutes.

Jeremiah Owens – A crucial veteran voice in the locker room.

While the veterans provide the anchor, Coach Kelly is equally enthusiastic about integrating a wave of promising young talent into the system. High-potential prospects like Arioen Hamilton, Element Shivers, and Darian Cooper are expected to step up and make immediate impacts on the court.

Kelly’s time within the school system gives him a unique advantage in developing these younger players. He hasn't just seen them play—he knows them personally.

"I’m excited about these guys," Kelly said. "I’ve been with these guys throughout my tenure in Lexington, so I know who they are and what to expect. I also know how to push them to get the absolute best out of them."

The Work Begins: Tryouts, Jamborees, and Academic Excellence

The preparation for the upcoming campaign is already in full swing. The Yellow Jackets are actively navigating tryouts, with the second round concluding today. Demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and multisport excellence, Coach Kelly will hold an additional round of tryouts once the Lexington High football team concludes its playoff run, ensuring football players gets a fair opportunity to earn a spot.

The first major public test for this new-look roster is right around the corner. On Saturday, November 14th, both the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads will travel to High Point Andrews for a preseason Jamboree. The event will give the coaching staff their first real look at how the team responds under game conditions against outside competition.

While the community often measures a program's success by win-loss records, Coach Kelly is equally proud of what his players are accomplishing away from the court. This year’s team represents one of the strongest academic classes the basketball program has seen in recent memory, boasting some of the highest cumulative grade point averages in years. They are proving that high standards apply just as strictly to homework and exams as they do to defense and rebounding.

A Call to Action for the Lexington Community

Building a successful high school sports program takes a village. Coach Kelly is extending a warm, open invitation to parents, alumni, local businesses, and community members to wrap their arms around these young men as they embark on this new journey.

"The community matters, and the community makes a real difference," Kelly urged. "Come out and support these kids."

Beyond filling the stands on game nights, there are immediate, practical ways for the community to get involved and support the team’s day-to-day needs:

Pre-Game Away Meals: The program is actively looking for local restaurants, churches, organizations, or families willing to sponsor or provide meals for the team during away games.

Program Donations: Monetary donations are always welcomed to help offset travel, and operational costs for both JV and Varsity teams.

As the Yellow Jackets lace up their sneakers and prepare for an intense season of growth, one thing is abundantly clear: Lexington basketball is in capable, faithful, and passionate hands. Coach Derius Kelly is ready to honor the giants whose shoulders he stands on while carving out a bright new path for the next generation.

Mark your calendars, get involved, and come out to support your Lexington Yellow Jackets this season!