Russellville Boys’ Basketball Back in the 4th Region Tournament in Carlos Quarles’ second season at the helm
By Perry Swack
In September of 2019, Russellville promoted assistant boys’ basketball coach Carlos Quarles to the position of head coach. To the casual fan or observer, the promotion would have been seen as a play to keep continuity. Quarles had been with the program for two seasons, while also serving as an assistant principal at RHS. The hiring made sense. However, to 4th Region basketball diehards, it meant a talented basketball mind was finally getting his due. Those familiar with sports across the 4th Region had familiarized themselves with Quarles long before he took over for the Panthers in 2019. He notably coached with three state legends – Kevin Wallace, John Myers, and Tim Riley. Those three men would certainly be on a shortlist for the creation of a 4th Region Mount Rushmore of coaches. Quarles began his career coaching football with Wallace at Bowling Green before joining Myers as the offensive coordinator at Russellville (and coaching girls’ basketball). He then spent ten seasons with Riley at Warren Central from 2007-2017 while also serving as an assistant for the football team. In 2017, after completing his Rank One at WKU, he became the assistant principal at Russellville while coaching basketball and football. Finally, after then-head coach Rex Booth left for another opportunity within the district, Quarles became the head man.
After a first season in which the Panthers went 6-21 (but returned no starters from the 2018-19 club), Quarles has the squad back into the 4th Region Tournament for the first time since 2017. Quarles has overseen the second-largest win percentage in the region from last season – winning nearly 25% more games than in 2019-20. Despite this improvement, it has been a challenging season to say the least for the Panthers. “Challenges include ensuring we are following CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe, while trying to continue with education, athletics, and a new way of functioning in our everyday lives” Quarles said. Another challenge is the “unexpected quarantining” as Quarles described. The Panthers had won four out of five games in late January before having to quarantine for two weeks and missing four-straight games. “I thought we were getting into a groove before we were quarantined. It was like starting from scratch.” After the quarantine – and the snowstorm in February that kept teams out of the gym – RHS lost five out of six games as they got their “legs back” and reestablished team chemistry. Reestablishing they did, as the team closed the season winning three of four including the decisive victory over Logan County that secured the school’s trip back to the region tournament.
After returning no starters at the beginning of 2019, Quarles began to rebuild the program with the players who are thriving in 2021. Jaquis Todd is the team’s leading scorer at 15.1 points per game. “Jaquis is a flat-out playmaker,” Quarles said. He is one of the most competitive athletes I have had the privilege to coach. I have enjoyed coaching him as a young freshman to now, a seasoned veteran.” Quarles mentioned that Todd is under-the-radar in recruiting but that he will succeed in either basketball or football (WR/CB) at the next level.
The Panthers are more than Todd though. Senior forward Josh Allen is averaging 8.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Josh “is a force for us inside and definitely a double-double threat.” Quarles is not afraid to utilize his team’s depth, playing nine or ten guys nearly every night. “Jackson Hampton is a very talented wing that is just scratching the surface of his potential. Jovari Gamble is one of our best defenders, ball handlers, and finishers the rim, while Chevis Elliot is our quiet leader.” Quarles noted, among others, the importance of Xavier Coleman, Lennon Ries, Kendahl Edmonds, and Layne Steele coming off the bench to provide athleticism and shooting.
Carlos Quarles wears many hats when he is at Russellville High School every day. He is an educator, administrator, and one of only five minority head basketball coaches in the 4th Region. When asked what he saw as his role as in educating the next generation of students, Quarles had a very thoughtful answer. “I feel that I can be a resource to all students. I hope seeing a black man in my position, students will understand that they can do whatever they put their mind and energy into. They should not feel pigeonholed into the pitfalls of our society. I try to be approachable, which allows me to be a mentor of sorts for all students, including students that grow up in tough situations, as I did growing up.” His role of coach is also an important one, as he mentors those who will come after him. As one of only five black head coaches across the 4th Region in both boys’ and girls’ basketball, Quarles brings a needed perspective moving forward as more coaches enter the ranks of the profession “I feel that our current black coaches need to mentor our younger coaches. Show them how to work, carry yourself in public, and learn from others. Unfortunately, mistakes made by young black coaches becomes an excuse not to give them opportunities they may be ready for. Everyone learns from young mistakes, but in some cases, mistakes cripple careers before they even get started.”
For any Kentucky high school basketball fan, it does not take long to remember the dominant Russellville boys’ basketball teams of the early 2000s. Reaching the state tournament was the expectation, and when they made it, they often went deep into the event. Quarles has been intentional in incorporating the past into the present of RHS Basketball. Michael Morris, a member of those talented RHS teams of yesteryear, is currently the middle school and freshman coach. Coach Phil Todd, the engineer of those great teams, stops by practice once a week Quarles said. “I hope to get more alumni involved in the program. Our fans definitely hope we can get back to that level.” As with any rebirth, there are always growing pains. “Being a Class A school, you experience some tough stretches,” Quarles admitted. “But the future looks bright with our young kids! We will definitely be in the gym!” With storied tradition, a talented present, and optimistic future, the Panthers of Russellville are going places with Carlos Quarles. All the way up.
