Rufus McDuffie hired to lead Dougherty basketball

ALBANY – Dougherty High School made a big splash late Monday night in regards to who will lead the boys basketball team.

When the new season gets underway later this year, the Trojans will be led by former Mitchell-Baker head coach Rufus McDuffie. He was hired by a unanimous vote of the Dougherty County School Board.

In addition to his time at Mitchell-Baker, McDuffie also spent time as the principal and head coach of Valdosta High.

“He is a man of great character,” Dougherty Athletic Director Harley Calhoun said. “He doesn’t just bring basketball knowledge to the table. Rufus has experience in how education works and how to make education successful.”

During his time at Mitchell-Baker, which spanned from 1982-2002, McDuffie was responsible for winning five state championships. After finishing up a 20-year career at Mitchell-Baker, McDuffie moved on to Washington County High School. He spent four years there and won two region titles and made four playoff trips.

“I think we just got ourselves one of the best basketball coaches ever in the state in Georgia,” DCSS Superintendent Butch Mosley said. “He’s a terrific coach, a man of great character and an outstanding former principal (at Valdosta High).”

McDuffie led Valdosta to three region championships in five years before moving on to coach at Walker High School in Alabama.

Repeated efforts to reach McDuffie were unsuccessful on Tuesday.

McDuffie replaces former Dougherty coach Ty Randolph, who resigned less than a month ago.

The Trojans are banned from the postseason during the 2016-17 season after committing four infractions in two years. The final two infractions were due to Dougherty playing ineligible players.