Juan Byars returns to Paris High as Boys’ Basketball Coach

Former Greyhound standout returns home to rebuild, restore, and reignite Paris basketball

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – Paris High School has turned back to its own roots, naming former Greyhound standout Juan Byars as the new head boys’ basketball coach. The Class of 1992 star becomes the program’s fourth head coach in seven years and the fourth alumnus in the past three decades to return home to lead the Hounds, joining Cary Barr, Terence Brooks, and Shawn Ransom.

Byars left a lasting mark during his playing days at Paris, finishing with 1,449 career points and ranking seventh all‑time in program history in dunks. His success carried him to Norfolk State University and later Kentucky State University, where he continued to shine on the hardwood.

“It’s truly a blessing to be back where it all started for me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be in this position,” Byars said. “This community has helped me become the man I am today. This opportunity is perfect for me at this stage in my career, and I plan on building this program back to new heights and beyond, brick by brick, without skipping a step.”

Paris High School expressed its excitement in a Thursday afternoon release, noting Byars’ experience, leadership, and deep understanding of Greyhound tradition.

“We are excited to announce Juan Byars as the new Head Basketball Coach at Paris High School. Coach Byars brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success across multiple levels of the game. As a proud Paris graduate, he understands the tradition, pride, and expectations of our program and community. More importantly, Coach Byars has a clear vision and strong plan for the future of Paris basketball. We are confident in his leadership and excited about the direction of our program under his guidance. Please join us in welcoming Coach Juan Byars back home to lead Greyhound basketball.”

A coaching path built on experience

Byars’ coaching journey has taken him across several levels of the game. He previously served as head coach of the Frankfort High School boys’ team, guiding the Panthers to the 11th Region Tournament. He later spent two seasons leading the Bourbon County Lady Colonels before moving to Robert D. Campbell Middle School, where he coached the young GRC Lady Cardinals for eight years.

A year ago, he took over the Madison Southern Lady Eagles and immediately made an impact, leading them to the 44th District Championship and a trip to the 11th Region semifinals. Their season ended with a hard‑fought loss to eventual two‑time region champion Frederick Douglass.

According to Register Sports, Byars informed his Madison Southern players on Tuesday that he would not be returning. He admitted the decision was difficult.

“Tough, because of the relationships built with the AD and administration during a short period of time. But it was a no‑brainer to come home and build something from the ground up.”

A young team awaits

Byars takes over for Eli Strait, who spent one season with the Greyhounds before accepting an assistant coaching position at LCA. Strait’s team finished 3-21, but the record didn’t reflect the nightly effort of a roster with no seniors and one of the toughest schedules in the region. The Hounds competed, even when facing older and more experienced opponents.

The returning group gives Byars a foundation to build upon. Leading the way will be all‑region honorable mention selection Braylon Francis, who averaged 14.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Rising freshmen DeVaughn Hutsell‑Gardner and Samuel Wilson also logged valuable minutes, while incoming seniors Tyler Jenkins and Landon Brown return with experience. Robert Rice and Jack Owens finished the season in the rotation as well.

Expected departures include Brayden Strait, Keegan Strait, Judd Veith, and Guy Turner, all of whom played key roles, especially the Strait brothers, who were steady contributors throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the always‑competitive 40th District, Byars is focused on the present.

“The past is just that, the past. We can’t dwell on who was here or not. We move forward with the group of young men that are here. We will work with other coaches in the school district and devise a plan that will be helpful for all sports.”

A homecoming with purpose

For Byars, returning to Paris is more than a coaching move, it’s a return to where his story began.

“Opportunities come and go, but when you get a chance to be where it all started, GOD always plants us where we need to be, and my roots have never been more rooted than anywhere else.”

As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home.”

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Juan is married to Tamika Byars, and together they have four children deeply connected to the game of basketball: Jalen, a former Paris standout; Brianna, currently playing at Georgetown University for the Hoyas; Ciara, currently playing at the University of Michigan; and Anovia, a member of the GRC Lady Cardinals basketball staff.