Jon Mason, who coached Mosley’s girls basketball team the past seven seasons, was hired to take over at Tampa Bay Tech. The move was first reported by Bay Area Hoops.
Mason replaces Reggie Lawrence, who last month was charged with six counts of unlawful sexual activity of a minor, as well as battery and exposure of a sexual organ.
The transition was easier considering Mason’s familiarity with many of the players. For years, Mason coached with a travel organization in the Panhandle that included several Tampa Bay Tech players, such as Janiah Barker, Amiya Evans, K’Nisha Godrey and Jasmine Peaks.
Two years ago, Barker and Evans moved from the Panhandle area and Peaks transferred from Palm Bay. The trio enrolled at Tampa Bay Tech, where they formed part of the foundation that helped the program win its first state title two years ago.
“This is definitely a high-profile position,” Mason said. “I think having been in the same travel program and having been able to coach them and watch them play will definitely help in this acclimation period.”
The program Mason inherits is among the nation’s best. After winning a state title during the 2018-19 season, the Titans entered this past season nationally ranked before losing in the region finals. All but two players from last season’s roster return.
In seven seasons at Mosley, Mason was a combined 102-69 and made the playoffs four times, including a state semifinal appearance in 2017-18.
He said he plans to move the area in two weeks and will not teach at the school, though that could eventually change.
