Lee Hill, Statesboro’s boys basketball coach since 1978 and a winner of 877 games and one state championship, died Saturday of COVID-19 after being hospitalized since June. He was 68.
“His influence expanded way past the basketball court, as he influenced the lives of hundreds of young men who played, and older men who respected him over his lifetime,” Statesboro principal Chad Prosser told the Statesboro Herald, which first reported the news of Hill’s death. “My heart hurts for his family, friends, current and former players, and Statesboro High School. He will never be replaced.”
The newspaper reported last month that Hill was hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms in early June. Hill’s wife, Wilma, also tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized but recovered, the newspaper said.
Coach Lee Hill was Statesboro High. He was a great mentor and leader for the Blue Devil Nation. Simply, he was a legend. His echos will forever ring on #LeeHillCourt. #WeAreStatesboro pic.twitter.com/wU5qNdi4Vc
— Statesboro High Athletics (@SboroHighSports) August 1, 2020
Under Hill, Statesboro won the Class 4A championship in 1991 with a team led by McDonald’s All-American Keith Legree. Statesboro also reached the semifinals or better in 1984, 1992, 2003 and 2013, giving him final-four appearances in four decades, according to the Georgia High School Basketball Project. Hill’s final team finished 22-7, once winning 20 straight games, and advanced to the Class 5A second round in March.
“I can’t put into words the loss our community has suffered,” Statesboro mayor Jonathan McCollar posted on Facebook. “This is Truly a sad day for our city. Coach Hill we will always love you.”
I can't put into words the loss our community has suffered. This is Truly a sad day for our city. Coach Hill we will always love you. #MyHero #RestInPeace #WeAreStatesboro
Posted by Mayor Jonathan McCollar on Saturday, August 1, 2020
Men’s basketball coaches at Georgia, South Carolina and James Madison were among those expressing sympathy via social media.
“This is terribly sad about coach Hill,” Georgia coach Tom Crean said. “We were all hopeful he would recover from his illness. He was not only a legendary coach, and a winner in Georgia but a tremendous person.”
Coach, this is such a great loss. I teach at Statesboro currently. I played for Effingham County. My Junior year was the year Coach had Keith LeGree playing for him. I would later get into coaching myself at ECHS and we had a lot of great battles against Coach Hill. Class act!!
— JamieC (@jamiec110773) August 1, 2020
My man Lee Hill went to b with God. One of the great people that basketball brought into my life. Coach Hill lived to care and help everyone. Man I’ll miss u https://t.co/CIuQnDPJXg
— Frank Martin (@FrankMartin_SC) August 1, 2020
Sad day in Statesboro. Coach Lee Hill passed away. A legend in this world. Coach Hill was my 9th grade PE teacher in 1987. Talked me into playing basketball. Taught with him for several years after. A great leader, mentor, coach, but most of all, a great friend!
— Jeff Kaiser (@Coachjkaiser) August 1, 2020
About the Author