VACHERIE – St. James High School hired former East St. John coach James Smith as the new head basketball coach, following the recent retirement of head coach Lionel Ezidore.

Ezidore had been the Wildcats’ head coach for 13 years and finished with a winning percentage of 68. The last three seasons, Ezidore led the Wildcats to three consecutive trips to the Top 28 tournament in Lafayette.

The first of the three years, the Wildcats captured the state championship, they then earned the runner-up honors on their second visit.

Last season, the Wildcats fell to the Carroll Bulldogs 79-52 in the semi-finals, ending their season with a record of 21-7.

“I’m excited about taking on the challenge of maintaining the basketball tradition here at St. James,” said Smith.

Smith has been coaching since 1978 and left East St. John after serving his squad of Wildcats as the head basketball coach for 13 years.

During the last season, he moved from the basketball court to the softball field to take that head coaching position. Meanwhile, he also continued as an assistant coach on the football field.

Smith played collegiate football at Grambling State University from 1974-77 and graduated in 1978 with a degree in Health and Physical Education.

“Smith brings to our coaching staff and athletes the dynamic qualities of an individual who has experience as a father, a teacher, an athlete and a coach,” said Rick Gaille, athletic director at St. James.

“He has a reputation for being loyal, organized and corporative, which are traits we hold high here at St. James,” Gaille added.

“To me, coaching is more than just helping athletes win on the basketball court, it is helping them win on life’s court as well,” said Smith.

He continued that he considers it a blessing to be a part of the St. James family, and thanked everyone who worked to make his opportunity possible.

“I will always remember the love and support I received during the last 14 years from St. John Parish School Board Superintendent Michael Coburn, East St. John High Principal Debra Shum and the St. John Parish family,” said Smith.

Shum said the Wildcats’ Athletic Director Larry Dauterive is heading the search to fill Smith’s position and has not made yet as to who fill coach the softball team next season.

Last season, Norman Picou led the boys basketball team as head coach.