Justin Lowery is New McKenzie Men's Basketball Coach

McKENZIE (April 23, 2024) - McKenzie Special School District is excited to announce McKenzie High School has hired Justin Lowery to serve as head coach for the Rebels Basketball team for the upcoming school year. Coach Lowery is joining the Rebels staff from Gibson Co. High School, where he has been head coach for the Pioneers basketball team since 2012. Coach Lowery holds several accolades from his time at Gibson Co. High, including being the winningest boys’ basketball coach in Gibson Co. history. In the 2021-2022 season, the Pioneers first appeared in the sub-state in over 30 years. The following season, the Pioneers basketball team won their first-ever region title and made a back-to-back sub-state appearance. Lowery was chosen as the District 12AA Coach of the Year in 2023, and was chosen to coach the 2024 BCAT All-Star team. Prior to coaching the Pioneers team, Lowery also coached at Medina Middle and Dyer Middle. During his tenure, Lowery has also coached tennis, cross country, golf, and volleyball. As a player at Bradford High School, Lowery demonstrated his abilities on the court and has since been inducted into the Gibson Co. Sports Hall of Fame. 

McKenzie SSD’s Director of Schools, Dr. Justin Barden, shared “I am excited that we have the opportunity for Coach Lowery to take the helm of the Rebels Basketball team for the 2024-2025 school year. He has a wealth of experience as a head coach and knows how to win ballgames. Justin also focuses on seeing young men grow and become the best versions of themselves and knows the work that needs to be done to help develop outstanding student-athletes who will be great community members when they leave the program. We are excited for the future of Rebel’s program as Coach Lowery moves into the head coach role.” 

McKenzie High School principal, Mr. Kelly Spivey, noted “I am excited for the experience and enthusiasm Coach Lowery will bring to our team, and he is very excited to be a part of the MHS family.” 

Coach Lowery is married to Suzy, and they have two sons, Knox and Mac. Lowery has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin, focusing on K-12 physical education. He also earned an Associate’s Degree from Jackson State Community College and played basketball for the Generals. Coach Lowery will serve as the Health/Wellness teacher at McKenzie High. 

MHS is planning a “Meet the Coach” night but the date is still to be determined.