Men's Basketball: Ben Lee Stepping Down as Gators' Head Coach

For Immediate Release

Ben Lee, River Bluff Head Coach of Men’s Basketball, Announces Retirement from Coaching; Leaves Legacy of Championships and Character

LEXINGTON, SC – February 16, 2026 – After 13 seasons at the helm of River Bluff High School’s men’s basketball program and a coaching career spanning nearly a quarter-century, Ben Lee has announced he is stepping down to prioritize his family and enter a new "season" of life.

Coach Lee, a Lexington native who played for Lexington High School (1997-99) and Montreat College (1999-02), has been the face of Gator basketball since the school's opening. Under his leadership, River Bluff became a perennial contender, culminating in the 2021 AAAAA State Championship and Region titles in 2020 and 2025.

A Career Built on Relationships

While his accolades are abundant and impressive —including being named the 2021 SCACA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year and a two-time Region Coach of the Year—Lee insists the wins were always secondary to the young men behind them.

While the 2021 State Championship is a memory Lee says he will cherish forever, his true joy was watching his players grow into men of character. “My favorite part of coaching has always been the young men I was able to work with,” says Lee. "Watching them work toward a goal and overcome challenges was inspiring.”

Coach Lee also developed basketball players. Eleven players emerged from his program to play at the collegiate level.

The Journey Home

Lee’s decision marks the end of a 24-year journey through the ranks of Lexington County basketball:

2002–2005: Volunteer Assistant, Lexington Middle School

2005–2013: B-Team, JV, and Varsity Assistant, Lexington High School

2013–2026: Varsity Head Coach, River Bluff High School

Coach Lee attributes his success to his parents, John and Kay Lee, who he cites as his primary life influences, and legendary coaches Bailey Harris and Bret Jones for shaping his basketball and coaching philosophies.

The Next Season: Carpools and Creative Prompts

While he is stepping away from the whistle, Lee isn't leaving the classroom. He will continue his teaching career at River Bluff, but his afternoons will now belong to his family.

"For the past 20 years, my family has selflessly supported my dream," Lee noted. "Now, it is time for me to fully support them. I’m looking forward to being a present husband to Ansley and a proud father to Millie and Ashlyn.” Instead of focusing on game film, Lee says he can now concentrate more deeply on “writing creative prompts for my daily carpool conversations with my daughters."

The River Bluff administration expressed deep gratitude for his 13 years of tireless service, noting that his impact on the program, school, and community will be felt for generations. The search for a successor will begin immediately.

Career Highlights at a Glance:

State Champion: 2021

Region Champion: 2020, 2025

SCACA Coach of the Year: 2021

Region Coach of the Year: 2022, 2025

College Placements: 11 Players

Media Contact:

Walt Overbay

River Bluff Athletics

[email protected]