Carson resigns as Kearney High girls basketball coach, Pocock named interim coach

KEARNEY, Neb. — Kearney High is going through an abrupt girls basketball coaching change just weeks before the season starts.

The school announced on Monday afternoon that JD Carson has resigned as head coach due to personal reasons. He was entering his second season as head coach and 12th season on the Bearcats’ coaching staff.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 16-year career as a coach, and this last year as the head coach for KHS Girls Varsity Basketball,” Carson said in a statement. “However, it is time for me to focus on my classroom duties and especially, my young family.”

Chris Pocock, an assistant coach, will serve as the interim head coach for this season. A news release says the search for a new permanent head coach will begin immediately.

“We wish Coach Carson well and are confident that the Bearcat ladies' basketball program will continue to grow and be successful on and off the court,” Activities Director Ryan Hogue said in the release.

The announcement comes on the first day that Nebraska high school basketball teams are allowed to practice. The Bearcats open their season on Nov. 30 in the Early Bird Classic tournament.

Carson coached Kearney to a 13-11 record and an appearance in a district final game last season. It was the Bearcats’ best record since the 2018-2019 season. Carson will continue to teach social studies at Kearney High.