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Retiring Coach Harold Wilson and several Dillon High School athletes were honored on Thursday, June 18, at the Dillon High Basketball Athletic Banquet held at a local restaurant.

Wilson has taught science for 36 years and served as the J.V. Martin junior varsity basketball coach for 18 years before spending 18 years as the varsity head coach. Under Wilson, Dillon earned six region titles, 18 straight years in the playoffs, and two lower state titles, appearing in the lower state championship game five times and in the state title game twice.

Wilson was given a gold watch and a plaque by Athletic Director Jackie Hayes and the athletic department at Dillon High. Wilson also received a basketball signed by all of his past players.

Coach Mike McRae was the Master of Ceremonies for the banquet. He quoted Galatians 6:7, “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Coach James Moultrie gave some opening remarks, noting that Wilson had learned from him and Coach Famon Whitfield. He wished Wilson well and congratulated him on a successful coaching and teaching career.

He said that Wilson was a good co-worker and a person of peace.

“He took referee calls in stride and never got too overly excited when things were going well,” he said. “When things were going bad, he did not get too angry.”

Whitfield spoke next, noting that Wilson had been active in football and track as well as basketball during his career. He also noted that Wilson is active in his church and serves as head of the Deacon Board.

“Coach Wilson has completed a long journey,” he said. “Enjoy your retirement, and continue to be a solder in God’s work.”

McRae spoke highly of Wilson and said he was like a father to him. “No matter what the situation, Wilson could always find the good.”

He also spoke about Wilson’s success on the court.

“Outsiders just don’t know. In Dillon, the coach will never start the season with a full team as football is played here. The basketball season starts November 1 and all the other teams will have a full basketball team. Dillon gets the team on December 1 – a month after the season starts. Then it takes three weeks to get football players ready for basketball. But Coach Wilson gives anyone who comes out at least a week to perform.”

McRae also noted Wilson’s winning record. “The first year you took over, the team hadn’t made the playoffs in 26 years. Wilson’s first year they went 19-4. Unbelievable!” He said that Wilson’s record is 266 wins, 144 losses. “And this is in a football town,” he added, “with football players playing basketball.”

Wilson thanked his players and his coaching assistants. “I must finish God’s will in my life,” he said.

In addition to recognizing Wilson, several Dillon athletes received awards for their outstanding performance in varsity and junior varsity boys and girls basketball.

Junior varsity girls receiving awards were Adoshia Graves, De’Ziah Fore, and Ja’Neequah McCrimmon. Varsity girls awards went to Shimya Sowells, Khamele Manning, DaKerhia Samuel, Kendra McLeod, Shar’Asia Samuel, and Tejah Breeden.

Junior varsity boys awards went to Javier Brooking, Keenan Norman, Joshua Cousar, and Rodney Owens. Coach Stacy Smith was also recognized.

In addition to Head Coach Wilson, varsity boys awards went to Rah-Rah Fletcher, Joe Manning, Darius Bethea, Raheem McClam, and Lawrence Crouch. Assistant Coach Smith and Coach McRae were also recognized.