Lexington native to be next boys basketball coach at River Bluff
Will Clarke is returning to the Midlands to continue his coaching career.
Clarke will be the next head boys basketball coach at River Bluff High School in Lexington. He replaces Ben Lee, the only coach in program history who is stepping down after 13 seasons. Lee led the Gators to the 2021 Class 5A championship.
Clarke’s hire was approved at Tuesday’s Lexington 1 school board meeting. A meet and greet for Clarke is planned at River Bluff on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Clarke is no stranger to the Midlands and was a former standout at Lexington High under Bailey Harris and a member of the Wildcats’ 2020 state championship team and North-South All-Star selection.
“It’s an honor to return to the community that shaped me as a man and a coach,” Clarke told The State. “I’m thrilled to pour back into these kids and give back to a region with such a rich basketball legacy. Being a head coach here is a dream come true.
“I was drawn back by the strong foundation already in place for success. With incredible facilities and a supportive administration and community, the pieces are all here.”
This will be Clarke’s second head coaching job. He was head coach at Palmetto High School for the girls program for two years and boys for four seasons. He led the school to four playoff appearances.
Since then, he has been an assistant coach at Dorman under Lexington grad Thomas Ryan. The Cavaliers have been one of the top programs in the South Carolina over the past decade.
River Bluff is coming off a 2-23, which was its first losing season in four years. The Gators have won at least 17 games in a season five times since the 2017-18 season.
“My expectation for this year is to build a team that plays with pride, great attitude, and the kind of effort that defines playing the game the right way,” Clarke said.
Clarke said he will finish the school year at Dorman, but will be able to be involved with the Gators during the open season coming up.
This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 6:07 PM.
