MOUNT VERNON, Ga. -- After leading the Brewton-Parker College women's basketball team to three 20-win seasons and two national tournament berths in just four years, Tommy Dalley has decided to coach boys at the high school level in Baxley, Ga.Dalley resigned July 14 as Lady Barons coach to take the reins of the Appling County Pirates. His duties at Appling County also include an assistant coaching position in football and teaching physical education.

"It is a bittersweet situation because I am leaving behind the players I brought into Mount Vernon and Brewton-Parker," said Dalley, who compiled a record of 78-47 in his four years as Lady Barons coach, including a 24-9 record last winter that ended with the team's second NAIA Division I national tournament appearance in three seasons.

"It is a good year to go out after setting the school record for wins and going to the national tournament. We are competing on a national level night in and night out, and people know who we are now."

Dalley became the Lady Barons' coach after serving as Barons coach Steve Barker's assistant for three years.

"Tommy did an excellent job for me as an assistant," said Barker, who as athletic director immediately began the search for Dalley's successor. "When we had the opening for the women's job, it was a no-brainer and I knew he would succeed.

"We hate to lose him, and Appling County is getting a fine, energetic coach. We will remain great friends forever."

At Appling County, Dalley will coach a program that has qualified for the state tournament three of the past four seasons.

"I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of me," Dalley said. "It was an opportunity I could not walk away from. They are building a new place and it gives me the chance to open some new doors for the family and me down the road."