Camelback parts ways with Marlon Rhymes as boys basketball coach

Marlon Rhymes, who had to interview for his boys basketball coaching job, was told by Phoenix Camelback that he won't return to lead the program because another candidate interviewed better.

Camelback has not announced who its basketball coach will be. Messages to Principal James Arndt and Athletic Director Andrew Chavez were not immediately returned.

Rhymes, who has been leading the Spartans the past four seasons, said he was told he had to reapply for his coaching job. He said after the interview process he was informed he wasn't being brought back as coach, that the school was going in another direction. He asked why.

"The only answer they could reply was, 'Someone interviewed better than you,' " Rhymes said. "After four years of blood, sweat, and tears, giving up summers to develop kids' talent, with no pay, they say, 'Someone interviewed better.' "

Rhymes, the nephew of retired Hall of Fame boys basketball coach Argie Rhymes, led the Spartans to a 15-9 record, 9-3 in the 5A Metro Region, last season. He had one losing season, in his second year.

His first team went 17-10, a year after the 2015-16 team went 3-21.

Rhymes, who won two state championships as a player under his uncle at Phoenix Carl Hayden and went on to play college basketball, is perplexed over the decision not to keep him as coach. He said he has produced players who went on to play in college and produced winning seasons. He said he felt judged and that the decision to part with him was unfair, asking where the loyalty was.

"I could honestly say, when I looked into the eyes of my players, I could see myself, my passion, and desire to be great," he said.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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