High School

Montverde Academy names Anthony Jones head girls basketball coach

Jones led Dr. Phillips to six state championships during his 17-year tenure with the Lady Panthers

Ross Van De Griek

Anthony Jones, who won six state championships at Dr. Phillips, is the new head coach of the Montverde Academy girls basketball team.
Anthony Jones, who won six state championships at Dr. Phillips, is the new head coach of the Montverde Academy girls basketball team. / Montverde Athletics

According to Chris Hays, of the Orlando Sentinel, Montverde Academy has hired Anthony Jones as their next head girls basketball coach on Friday.

Jones replaces Matt Shewmake, who lasted just one season with the Lady Eagles, where they finished the 2024-2025 season with a 26-2 record and reached the Chipotle Nationals Championship Game before losing in overtime to IMG Academy.

Jones won six state titles during his 17-year tenure with Dr. Phillips (2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, 2023, 2024) and reached the National Championship three times, winning two of them (2011, 2013) and finishing as a national runner-up in 2012.

During the 2024-2025 season, Dr. Phillips finished with a 20-10 record and reached the Class 7A Championship Game before coming up just short, losing 45-42 to Winter Haven where they were eyeing a fourth consecutive state title. During his time with the Lady Panthers, Jones finished with a career coaching record of 315-133 (.735), winning percentage.

"I'm looking forward to joining the team at Montverde Academy. I played against during my time at Dr. Phillips, and I have seen the program progress a lot through the years," Coach Jones said to Athletic Director Khrystal Phiri. "The opportunity presented itself, and the timing was right. I am excited to keep the Eagle tradition going," Jones added.

Jones is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected basketball coaches in the state of Florida and beyond. His accolades include being a five-time Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year (2012, 2013, 2022, 2023, 2024), a two-time National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Florida Coach of the Year (2011, 2023), as well as numerous other awards.

Jones will take the reigns of a girls' basketball program that has appeared in the Chipotle High School National championship game the last four years, including victories in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Last season the Eagles finished 26-2 overall and had three players earn All-America status.

Download the SBLive App

To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App| Download Android App

Follow High School On SI throughout the 2024-2025 high school girls basketball season for Live Updates, the most up to date Schedules & Scores and complete coverage from the preseason through the state championships!

Be sure to Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school girls basketball news.

More From Florida High School On SI 

Vote Now: Who is Central Florida High School Baseball Hitter of the Year?Florida high school football: Naples announces 2025 scheduleNFL legend Tom Brady gives shoutout to a Florida high school girls flag football state champion2026 4-star wide receiver Jayden Petit to transfer to Naples St. John Neumann

2026 5-Star Small Forward Bella Ragone Commits to Notre DameEzavier Crowell, nation's No. 2 running back, sets commitment date; Alabama the favorite?Oregon Ducks projected to land elite California football prospectSaints Peter & Paul lacrosse star Laim Durnbaugh will play at Boston UniversityArizona State Sun Devils continue Texas pipeline with newest commitment2026 Three-star defensive back Danny Odem names Top 8 schoolsBreaking: One of top Iowa basketball prospects makes his college decisionKelvin Obot, top-10 offensive tackle, announces his top 4Little Rock Christian Academy superstar JJ Andrews stays home, commits to Arkansas Razorbacks

Published
Ross Van De Griek
ROSS VAN DE GRIEK

Ross Van De Griek has been a high school sports writer covering the state of Florida since 2021. Ross also has been scouting high school basketball and Grassroots Basketball across the Southeast Region since 2022. Ross has been covering basketball and recruiting for High School on SI since August 2024. He has collaborated with Next Up Sports, Prep Hoops, and On The Radar Hoops throughout his scouting career. You can follow him on X @rossvdg14 or reach him via email rossvdg14@gmail.com for story ideas.

Home/Florida