John O’Cain steps down as Heathwood girls basketball coach

Heathwood Hall girls basketball coach John O’Cain stepped down after seven seasons.

O’Cain guided the Highlanders to four consecutive SCISA 1-3A Region titles and the 2014 3A state championship. Heathwood was runner-up for the 2013 championship.

The Highlanders went 6-15 this season and lost in the first round of the SCISA 3A playoffs to Porter-Gaud. O’Cain had a 111-63 record as Heathwood coach.

“It was a hard decision, but it will free up some of my time. I hope to get more involved in coaching my two boys, who are 12 and 9,” O’Cain said. “I may even coach at a lower level of basketball at Heathwood. I was a great seven years as the head coach at Heathwood, and many great memories were made.”

During his tenure, O’Cain coached 10 all-state players including A’ja Wilson, who was the Naismith National Player of the Year in 2014.

“I’d like to personally thank John for his leadership and commitment to the Highlander basketball program for the past seven years,” Heathwood Hall athletic director Jeff Whalen said. “We are happy that he will be able to spend more time with his sons as they grow, and that he will continue to be close to our athletic programs.”

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 4:18 PM with the headline "John O’Cain steps down as Heathwood girls basketball coach."