BENSALEM, Pa. – For the second time in three months, Montverde (Fla.) Academy made a change in its nationally recognized basketball programs.
This time the Montverde girls’ team, a regular in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings, have hired Anthony Jones as its head coach it was announced on Friday, May 23.
Montverde did not search far as it tapped Jones, who led Dr. Phillips in nearby Orlando and served on the coaching staff since 2001.
So far this spring there’s movement in the boys’ high school basketball. Jones was promoted to Head Coach in 2008 which is where he has been since. Under Jones’ leadership, the Panthers captured six Florida High School Athletic Association state championships (in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, 2023, 2024), two CHIPOTLE Nationals titles in 2011 and 2013 and a runner-up finish in 2012. This season he guided the Panthers to the Florida Class 7A championship game.
In a statement, Director of Athletic Operations Khrystal Phiri said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to our school community. His passion for the game, commitment to developing student-athletes, and focus on building a strong, connected program makes him the ideal leader for our girls’ basketball program.
“Coach [Anthony] Jones not only brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience, but also a deep understanding of how sports can shape character, build confidence, and strengthen community. We’re excited for the growth ahead — both on and off the court — under his leadership,” she added.
“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,” Jones said. “The opportunity presented itself and the timing was right. I am excited to keep the Eagle tradition going.”
Jones is a decorated coach in the state of Florida and beyond. His accolades include named five times as Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year (2012, 2013, 2022, 2023 and 2024), a two-time National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Florida Coach of the Year (2011 and 2023).
Last season, the Eagles, No. 5 in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 final rankings, went 26-2 and advanced to the CHIPOTLE Nationals final but lost to rivals No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Entering the tournament, the Eagles were ranked No. 1 by Blue Star Media but could not close out with two wins in Fishers, Indiana.
Jones replaces Matt Shewmake, who joined the Grand Canyon University women’s basketball staff in April as an assistant coach. Shewmake spent the past two seasons as Montverde, piloting leading the Eagles to a 49-5 record and the 2024 Chipotle National Championship title.
Earlier this spring, Steve Turner was hired as the Montverde boys’ head coach after a successful two decades runs at nationally ranked Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), where he won several titles and 497 games.
