Release: Will Clarke Named Head Coach for Men's Basketball
Mar 24, 2026|Men's Basketball
Share:
River Bluff High School Names Will Clarke as Head Men’s Basketball Coach
LEXINGTON, SC – March 24, 2026 – River Bluff High School is proud to announce the appointment of Will Clarke as the new Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball program. A decorated athlete and seasoned coach with a deep-rooted connection to the Lexington community, Clarke returns to the area to lead the Gators into a new era of competitive excellence while maintaining the high standards of integrity and performance established by former head coach Ben Lee while continuing to build upon the program's foundation of success.
Coach Clarke’s basketball journey is a homecoming story. A cornerstone of Lexington’s athletic history, Clarke played a pivotal role in two state championship appearances as a player for the Lexington Wildcats, helping secure the 2000 4A State Championship title. His individual accolades, including a selection to the 2001 North/South All-Star Game, solidified his reputation as one of the region's premier competitors.
“Lexington is home—it’s where I learned what it means to compete, to lead, and to represent something bigger than yourself,” said Clarke. “This opportunity means so much not just to me, but to my family as well. We’re excited to be part of the River Bluff community and to invest in these players on and off the court.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
With over 15 years of coaching experience across the Upstate, Clarke brings a sophisticated tactical approach and a reputation for building high-performing programs.
- Palmetto High School: During his tenure, Clarke successfully navigated the program’s transition from 3A to 4A, securing four playoff appearances. His offensive systems produced five 1,000-point scorers and an All-State selection.
- Dorman High School: Most recently, Clarke served as a key architect of success at Dorman, contributing to the 2022 5A State Championship victory and securing Region Championships in 2022 and 2024.
Commitment to Player Development
Beyond the scoreboard, Clarke is widely recognized for his ability to elevate individual talent. While at Dorman, he mentored the fastest player in school history to reach 1,000 career points and coached the record-holder for single-season three-pointers. His commitment to post-secondary success has resulted in numerous student-athletes transitioning to the collegiate ranks, including coaching two North/South Game selections and a Carolinas Classic All-Star representative.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Clarke to the Gator family," said Andrew Peckham, River Bluff Athletic Director. "His proven track record of winning at the highest levels, combined with his passion for student-athlete development and his ties to this community, makes him the perfect fit to lead our basketball program."
Returning members of the men's basketball team and their families, men's basketball prospective players and their families, and members of the media are invited to a "Meet the Coach" event on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 in Gator Commons at the football stadium.
Media Contact:
Walt Overbay
River Bluff Athletics