From The City of West Columbia – The West Columbia City Council recognized the Gray Collegiate Academy Boys Basketball Team for their 2024 Class AA State Championship and sixth title in seven years, at a meeting, Monday.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles, City Council, and Sen. Nikki Setzler awarded the Gray Collegiate Academy Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Dion Bethea a key to the City, recognizing his accomplishments throughout the years at Gray Collegiate Academy. Below are some of his accolades:

• Coach Bethea joined Gray Collegiate Academy in 2012 as the Head Coach for the boys’ varsity basketball team.
• Coach Bethea had a career coaching record of 272 wins and 68 losses.
• Coach Bethea led the War Eagles to 6 State AA state championships and 7 region championships.
• He has coached over 260 young men who received Division I basketball scholarships.
• Coach Bethea served as a 2022 Jordan Brand Classic Assistant Coach and helped coach a team to win the 2022 Jordan Brand Championship title.
• He has been awarded Region Coach of the Year seven times and High School Sports Report AA Coach of the Year 3 times.
• Coach Bethea will further his coaching talents by becoming the Assistant Basketball Coach for Georgia Southern Men’s Basketball next season.

Coach Dion Bethea has inspired countless young athletes and instilled in them qualities of dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience. He has led by example with his tremendous leadership, work ethic, and determination to accomplish his goals. The Mayor and City Council wish Coach Bethea much success in his future endeavors.

Picture 1: 2023-2024 Gray Collegiate Academy Varsity Basketball Team

Picture 2: Mayor Pro-Tem Mickey Pringle, Coach Dion Bethea, Mayor Tem Miles, and Sen. Nikki Setzler