Longtime Jefferson County High School basketball coach Samuel Washington was selected to the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame Thursday.

Washington spent 32 years as a coach and teacher at Jefferson County, guiding the Tigers to a record of 1,001 wins and 497 losses.

Current Tiger basketball coach Marcus Walton said before Washington died in 2015, the achievement was something he expressed as a personal goal.

“I can’t speak enough about the impact he has had,” Walton said. “He is a great inspiration and a father figure. He did all the little things that usually go unnoticed.”

Walton played under Washington’s direction from 1988-91.

“He would always tell you what’s best for you,” he said. “He had a positive attitude wherever he went.”

Washington led the Tigers to three conference titles, as well as coaching in the 1985 Mississippi High School All-Star basketball. He also coached the Lady Tigers, directing them to three district and six conference championships.

Washington was also named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year on five occasions.

“He gave a lot back to this community,” Walton said. “It is a great honor for everyone, and we owe him a lot.”
The MAC Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled for June 23.

Other 2017 inductees in clude Johnny Barfield, Bobby Hall, Johnny Hill and Mike Wilkinson.