Former Perry coach Brett Hardy pegged as new Veterans boys basketball coach

Former Perry High School head basketball coach Brett Hardy was recently named the new varsity boys basketball coach at Veterans High School. “I was fortunate and blessed to get the opportunity,” said Hardy by phone late Sunday night. “It’s going to be a great situation and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Hardy had coached the varsity at Perry for 16 years prior to last season. During his final season as the Panthers head coach he led the 2016-17 team (20 wins), along with seniors Damion Bagley (Chattahoochee Valley CC basketball) and Jhi’Marre Brown (Fort Valley State University football), and then junior Jake Smith, to the AAAA Elite 8 where they lost on the road at Sandy Creek High School.

The Veterans Warhawks return a number of starters in the backcourt from a team that was eliminated in the first round of the 1-AAAAA region tournament under former head coach Nick Brooks. Despite their under .500 overall record last season the cupboard is far from bare for Hardy. “The kids are outstanding and I’m lucky,” said Hardy.