DAPHNE, Ala. – Scott Smith has stepped in to coach the Daphne Lady Trojan basketball team after Cedric Yelding stepped down from the position this week.

Yelding had been coach of both the Daphne boys and girls teams, but decided to focus on coaching just the boys for the rest of the season.

Smith said he was happy to be back on the DHS court.

“The girls have had just four days of practice with coach Hunter and me,” he said. “So, it's an adjustment for them and us, but we'll be fine. Tonight we started off well. Williamson made some adjustments and made some easy buckets off our press, but we came back out in the second half, got back together and stayed with it. But considering the change, they're doing great. This is a great group of kids and they are just going to get better. Coach Yelding has done a great job getting them to this point. Systems might be different, but they are accepting it and the future looks bright and we'll make it work.”

Yelding said the mid-season change was the right thing and that Smith and Hunter were perfect for the transition.

“They know the girls and the girls know them,” he said. “I wouldn't feel that comfortable with just anybody coming in, but I can be with coach Hunter and coach Smith. I know the girls are comfortable with it and this is the right way to go.”

Smith and Hunter turned the girls varsity and JV programs over to Denise Grooms four years ago after several years. Both remained on the DHS faculty. Hunter is also the head swim coach.

DHS athletic director Glenn Vickery said their familiarity with the players would be a big asset.

“Coach Scott Smith has returned to the Lady Trojans as our head coach for the 2011 basketball season. Coach Hunter is the former JV Girls' basketball coach and is returning to assist coach Smith with the Varsity Lady Trojans. They are going to be a great addition to our team and we hope for continued success.”