The Baldwin County Braves received some surprising news last week when boys head basketball coach Ben Smith announced he was taking the same position at Alpharetta High School. Smith made his decision known via Facebook on May 13. Smith gained much success at the helm of the Braves basketball program, accumulating a record of 75-16, including three Elite Eight appearances and one Final Four appearance in his three years at Baldwin. Smith also led the Braves to becoming region champs in the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.
In Smith’ Facebook post last Wednesday, he released a statement expressing his appreciation for the Baldwin County community as well as his players, students, and assistant coaches over his three seasons in Milledgeville.
“The last three years have been amazing here at Baldwin,” Smith stated. “I loved everything about the experience. The community and fan support is second to none. It was a match made in heaven when I became head coach in 2023. I’m going to miss the energy and family atmosphere that a Baldwin home game provides. It’s just different. To my players, students, and coaches, y’all made BTB happen.”
Smith added in his statement that his decision to move on to Alpharetta was not based on “money, or what’s not happening at Baldwin;” it’s about “the potential betterment of my family in all aspects. It’s God’s new assignment for me. I can’t run from it. I’m excited to share my new destination with you soon.”
The Raiders went 12-15 last season. Smith hopes to lead the Raiders back to the playoffs for the first time since 2024.
In a more recent statement, Smith stated his excitement as the new head coach of the Alpharetta Raiders.
“I’m super excited to become the new head boys basketball coach of your Alpharetta Raiders,” Smith said via Facebook. “I can’t wait to meet you guys and start building the Alpharetta basketball program into one of the best basketball programs in the state.”
Baldwin County high school has not yet released a statement about a decision on who its new head coach for the Braves boys’ basketball program might be.