Keith Taylor is named Chester boys' basketball coach
The former Clippers 1,000-point scorer and assistant coach replaced Larry Yarbray
Keith Taylor, a 1,000-point career scorer and member of the school's Hall of Fame, has been named the new Chester boys' basketball coach by the Chester Upland School District.
Taylor was a varsity assistant at Chester for 13 seasons under the late Fred Pickett. During that time, the Clippers won four PIAA Class 4A state championships.
While serving under Pickett, Taylor guided the program's junior varsity squad to a 156-31 record (.834 winning percentage). He led the squad to three undefeated seasons.
"Keith is more than ready to lead our basketball program," Chester athletic director Andre Moore said in a statement. "We look forward to Keith continuing the strong basketball tradition expected of Chester High School established by his predecessors."
A point guard at Chester in the mid-1980s, Taylor went on to be a four-year starter at Ohio's Central State University. He was a first-team National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I selection.
The Chester native, who has been a longtime coach with the city's Boys' and Girls' Clubs, works as Chester High's climate manager.
Taylor replaces Larry Yarbray, whose contract as Chester's coach was not renewed after nine seasons. He compiled a 214-53 record (.801 winning percentage), won four district championships, and earned two state titles.
The switch in coaches was surprising because of Yarbray's mostly successful tenure. Chester's administrators have not commented on the reason behind his dismissal.