MARS HILL, Maine — Dillon Kingsbury brings a new perspective into his newest coaching venture.
The 25-year-old Kingsbury, who had recent stints with both the Easton and Houlton boys’ basketball teams, was hired on May 22 as the coach of the Central Aroostook girls, according to SAD 42 Athletic Director Heather Bradbury.
He’ll be replacing Cody Tompkins, who coached the team the past two seasons.
Kingsbury teaches physical education at Presque Isle High School and is a 2010 graduate of PIHS and a 2015 graduate of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Kingsbury spent last winter as a basketball official with IAABO Board 150 after having coached the previous five seasons.
“I loved officiating and gained a new respect for how hard it is and how much officials have to deal with on a game to game basis,” he said, “but deep down something was missing and I knew I had to get back into coaching.”
Kingsbury said he is honored to be coaching at a school with “such a rich and deep basketball tradition.”
“It was really an easy decision to pursue this opportunity,” he added. “The administration is already really supportive and I know the transition and support system will be great. I’m excited to hit the ground running and look forward to my new surroundings.”
Kingsbury spent four years at Easton, going 67-15 overall, and his teams won at least 15 games and made it into the tournament each year. His tenure featured a memorable 2013 tournament upset as the No. 8 seed of top-ranked and defending Class D state champion Jonesport-Beals.
A year later, Easton had its first undefeated regular season in school history and returned to the Eastern D semifinals before suffering a two-point loss to eventual state champion Hodgdon.
He coached at Houlton during the 2015-16 season and the boys’ team went 2-16.
