BMHS names Cohen Adams new varsity boys’ basketball coach
Cohen Adams has been named the new boys’ varsity basketball coach at Ballard Memorial High School. He succeeds former head coach Kevin Estes, who stepped down for health reasons.
“After much prayer and conversation with my family, I decided to step down as head coach,” Estes said. “My recovery from cancer and cancer surgery has taken a toll on me mentally and physically. I need to spend my time and energy on regaining my health, energy, and stamina.
“I have absolutely loved coaching again, and with this program; I just came to the conclusion that I could not do my job at 100% or with the same passion. I want to thank the boys, parents, boosters, community, and administration for allowing me to coach and be a part of this program, and I wish Cohen the best.”
Adams had stepped in for preseason activities this summer during Coach Estes’ absence; his official tenure will begin Aug. 21.
“Coach Adams has served as a volunteer, freshman coach, and JV coach within our boys basketball program at Ballard Memorial,” said Ballard Athletic Director Barry Phillips. “Through his dedication and commitment to our program, he has earned the opportunity to lead this team. We are excited to see the direction he takes the program this year, and look forward to the future of Ballard Memorial basketball under his leadership.”
Adams is a 2020 BMHS graduate, and holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Murray State University. He became the BCES PE teacher in 2024, and is teaching health and PE at BCMS this year. He was MSU men’s basketball student manager in 2020-21, a volunteer assistant coach at Ballard from 2021-23, and junior varsity coach from 2023-26.
“I'm extremely honored to be the next boys’ basketball coach at Ballard Memorial High School,” Adams said. ”Our program is in an excellent spot, and I look forward to continuing to build on the foundation laid by those before me.”
Adams and his wife, Isabel, recently built a house and live in Barlow.
