A new chapter begins for the Evangelical Christian School's boys basketball team in Fort Myers, Florida. RJ Jones has been appointed as the head coach, succeeding Scott Guttery who stepped down after eight years of service. Jones brings an impressive record from his previous role at Gateway Charter, where he guided the team to significant achievements including regional playoff appearances and district championships.
Jones' hiring marks a strategic move by the school to elevate its basketball program. With a proven track record and extensive experience in high school basketball, Jones is expected to transform the Sentinels' performance and bring them back into competitive form.
Experienced Coach Joins Evangelical Christian School
RJ Jones, known for his exceptional coaching skills, takes the helm at Evangelical Christian School. Having achieved remarkable success at Gateway Charter, Jones aims to replicate that success with the Sentinels. His tenure at Gateway Charter showcased his ability to lead teams effectively, resulting in numerous accolades and a strong winning percentage.
During his six-year stint at Gateway Charter, Jones compiled an impressive 100-69 win-loss record, boasting a .690 winning percentage. He led the Griffins to three regional playoff appearances, securing two district championships and advancing to the regional finals in 2023. This marked the longest playoff run in the school's history. In the 2024-2025 season, Gateway Charter finished with a commendable 20-9 record, reaching the regional semifinals before being eliminated by Saint Andrew’s (Boca Raton). Additionally, the team participated in the prestigious City of Palms Classic national bracket, competing against top-tier opponents like Millennium (Arizona), Long Island Lutheran (New York), and Archbishop Carroll (Pennsylvania).
A New Era Under RJ Jones
The transition from Scott Guttery to RJ Jones signifies a fresh start for the Evangelical Christian School's basketball program. Guttery, who had a successful eight-year run with a 116-104 record, left big shoes to fill. However, Jones' extensive background and accomplishments make him a promising candidate to take the Sentinels to new heights.
Prior to joining Gateway Charter, Jones played high school basketball at Windermere Prep under Ben Wilson, currently the head coach at Ponte Vedra. He also served as an assistant coach at Community School of Naples from 2017 to 2019 under Greg Donahue, who remains the school's head coach. The Sentinels ended the 2024-2025 season with a modest 13-13 record, falling short in the district quarterfinals against Canterbury (Fort Myers) and failing to qualify for the regional playoffs. With Jones at the helm, the team hopes to overcome these challenges and achieve greater success on the court. Fans eagerly anticipate the impact Jones will have on the program, aiming to build a formidable team capable of consistent victories and deep playoff runs.
