EDITOR’S NOTE: The original story contained an incorrect record for Alphaka Moore’s record last season at Union High School. We regret the error and are happy to set the record straight.

NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School Board approved the hire of Alphaka Moore as new head girls’ basketball coach for Natchez High School at Thursday night’s board meeting.

Moore spent last season coaching the Union High School girls’ basketball team to a 16-12 overall record. Last season was her only year of head coaching experience.

“We were very impressed with her in the interviews,” Natchez athletic director Fred Butcher said. “She seemed to have very good organization skills. She had taken a program last year that was not successful and kind of turned it around, and they did make the playoffs. We thought she could come in and help our girls.”

Moore will take over for interim head coach Willie Woods, who took over the Lady Bulldogs in January for Sue Johnson.

“I was very impressed with the job Coach Woods did,” Butcher said. “One of Coach Woods’ best assets is he has a love for kids. And Coach Moore, from what we’ve learned, has some of those same traits. She wants to work hard, and what she told us in her interview is she doesn’t believe in losing.”

Johnson quit coaching the Lady Bulldogs in the middle of last season for unspecified reasons, and Butcher said he had no comment on the reasons for Johnson’s departure.

The Lady Bulldogs finished last season with a record of 19-9, but failed to make the playoffs.

Moore attended Mississippi State University. She will also teach physical education. She will start her employment with Natchez High School Aug. 1, but Butcher said he expects the girls’ basketball program to begin its summer program soon and introduce Moore to her new players.

“It’s time for us to start our program moving again, and try to get her in place,” Butcher said.