St. Luke’s, Jackson High name new boys basketball coaches

New leadership is taking the helm at St. Luke’s Episcopal and Jackson High School as both programs announce key coaching hires for the upcoming boys basketball season.

St. Luke’s Taps Wayne Tolbert Jr.

St. Luke’s Episcopal has officially named Wayne Tolbert Jr. as its new boys basketball coach. An Irvington native, Tolbert steps into the role previously held by Patrick Niland, who accepted the head coaching job at St. Paul’s last month.

St. Luke’s head of school Chip Menton expressed confidence in the hire, stating that after interviewing roughly eight candidates, Tolbert emerged as the clear fit. Menton highlighted the coach's extensive experience and enthusiasm for the position. In addition to his duties on the court, Tolbert will contribute to the St. Luke’s football staff under Rick Cauley.

A 2012 graduate of Alma Bryant with a degree from the University of Mobile, Tolbert brings a decade of coaching experience to his new role. His resume includes stops at Chickasaw, Mobile Christian, and T.R. Miller. According to the school, Tolbert has been instrumental in four regional championships, four Sweet 16 appearances, a final four run, and was a member of the football staff that secured the 2023 3A state championship at Mobile Christian.

“I first want to thank God for the opportunity and thank Mr. Menton and athletic director Meredith Donald for believing in me and trusting my vision for the program,” said Tolbert. “It’s about the program, not about me. It’s about serving and mentoring these young men and helping them grow as students, athletes, and leaders.”

Tolbert officially met with the team this past Thursday and is scheduled to conduct his first practice on Friday. The Wildcats are set to hit the ground running with a play date at Saraland next Wednesday.

Jimmy Martin Returns to Jackson

Jackson High School is bringing a familiar face back to the bench, hiring Jimmy “Booju” Martin as head basketball coach. Martin takes over the Aggies following the departure of Anthony Hayes, who left to lead the program at Monroe County after guiding Jackson to two state titles and three consecutive final four appearances.

Martin, who had briefly accepted a position at Saraland earlier this spring, returns to the Jackson program where he previously served on Hayes’ staff. During that tenure, he was part of the coaching group that led the Aggies to back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025, along with a semifinal appearance in 2026.