Love & Fire

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

When I received the call from Mr. Neal to return to Eastern Senior High School as the head coach of the winless girls' basketball team, I was elated. The chance to come back to my beloved alma mater, where we experienced incredible success thanks to the unwavering support from teachers, administrators, and the community, it was a no-brainer.

It was a true honor to return home to Eastern. In just two seasons, we racked up 46 wins. That’s not just improvement; that’s transformation. That’s impact. That’s a job well done. But let’s be honest, it’s still incomplete.

So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my departure as the Head Coach of Eastern Girls Basketball, effective immediately. Let me be crystal clear: this chapter closes not by my choice, but by God’s design. Sometimes, what doesn’t feel like your decision turns out to be the best move you could make.

While we celebrate our state championship, my vision for the girls' program has always been bigger. My coaching philosophy centers on confidence, winning both on the court and off, investing in these young ladies to help them become exceptional women. But that vision requires genuine support, and sadly, those days of support at Eastern are not the same. Just think of the culture we could have built and what we could have achieved together.

Well, there’s no need to imagine anymore.

After considering various high school and collegiate options (yes, consider that a slight flex), I’m moving up, not over, to build a program that actually wants to be built. A place with authentic and unwavering backing, a true shared vision, and a SUPER TEAM of an administration behind it. I’ve put together a SUPER STAR staff, and we’re ready to do it right, for the girls. This is bigger than basketball. It always has been. And now I'm leading two programs under one roof.

On the high school varsity girls side, I will continue to develop talent, establish a standard, and lay the foundation for a lasting legacy.

To the middle school girls—you’re part of this too. The program I’m leading at the high school level is built to include you from the start. This is one system, one culture, one vision.

In middle school, we’re not just developing skills—we’re shaping minds, hearts, and habits. For those eager to play at the highest level and prepare for what’s next, we’re putting a structure in place to take young hoopers to the next level—and beyond.

This is for kids willing to EARN and LEARN. Nothing is given. Everything is built.

An official announcement is coming soon, but let’s kick off the conversations now.

To all doubters, thank you. You helped sharpen my edge. Every whisper, every side-eye, every closed door, I heard you. The results are my response. I'm in stone. This is how you get it done: with vision, with support, with passion, and with purpose. God’s plan always prevails.

With love and fire,

Coach Lonnie "Prime" Harrell