Cedar Creek High School is in the market for a new boys basketball coach.
Head of School Cindy Hampton confirmed with the Lincoln Parish Journal Wednesday that the decision was made not to renew the contract for head coach Robert Mitcham.
“We are very appreciative of all that Robert has done for Cedar Creek, not only in basketball, but in other areas where he has stepped up to help out,” said Hampton. “We wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor and will always be thankful for what he did during his time here.”
Mitcham joined Cedar Creek in 2017 and spent the past five years as the head coach of the Cougars, leading the program to an overall mark of 60-88 and four appearances in the state playoffs (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022). The Cougars won first round games in 2018 and 2019. Creek was 12-17 this past season and lost to Calvary Baptist 81-39 in the first round of the Division IV playoffs.
“We just feel that we need to go in a different direction with the program in order to take another step forward,” said Hampton.
Mitcham is a longtime high school basketball, baseball and football coach in the north Louisiana area dating back to his early days at Bernice High School. He has also spent time at Ouachita High School and Claiborne Christian. He just completed his 40th season coaching on the high school level.
“I had my doubts when I first got to Cedar Creek, and the first year was a little tough as I got my system established,” said Mitcham on Wednesday. “It turned out well as we went to the playoffs and won a playoff game. It just got better and better every year, and I started liking the place and then I started loving the place.
“I told the players that I feel like I was the luckiest man for getting to be their head coach. I told them they needed to be leaders around the campus and do things the right way. It was a privilege to be their head coach for the past five years.”
Hampton said the hire would be made by a combination of herself, AD Steven Ensminger and members of the athletic council which are comprised of some members of the Cedar Creek Board of Directors. She said they hoped to have the hire in place within the next month.
“I wish nothing but the best for the program and Cedar Creek,” said Mitcham. “Both of my sons were treated well there and excelled in the classroom and in athletics. Their dad is taking away a lot of great memories with him and a lot of new friendships that will continue in the future.”
