Press Releases

SOUTHAVEN – DeSoto Central High School has announced the hiring of Justin Flake as the school’s new assistant baseball coach, after the move was approved by the DeSoto County Board of Education on Thursday.

Flake replaces Jeff Walls, who will be transitioning to the role of softball assistant for DC during the 2021-2022 school year. Coach Flake comes from Choctaw County High School, where he served as the head baseball coach for the 2020-2021 season and led the Chargers to their first district championship in four years, and the program’s first winning season in three years.

“I couldn’t be more excited to add Justin Flake to our coaching staff,” said DeSoto Central head coach Mark Monaghan. “He brings a lot of energy and experience to our program and his people skills and work ethic are off the charts. He is an outstanding communicator and focuses on building strong relationships with his players. We are lucky to have him, and he will be a great fit for our program.”

Prior to his time at CCHS, Flake was the head coach at Heritage Academy (2017-2020) in Columbus, Miss. During his three years with the Patriots, his team captured the 2019 MAIS AAA State Championship and compiled a 94-41 record in six seasons. Flake was also named as the MAIS AAA Coach of the Year in 2019.

Flake is a native of Louisville, Miss. and has an eight-year-old son, Parker, with his wife, Stephanie.

Meanwhile, Walls is no stranger to success on the baseball diamond at DeSoto Central, having helped the Jags to a pair of state championships. He will now try his hand in helping the Lady Jaguars softball team continue their winning ways.

“Coach Walls is a game changing hire for our program,” said DCHS head softball coach Ashely Hilton. “I am excited about the future for our student-athletes with Jeff on our staff. I know we will be able to continue the tradition of excellence with this addition to our program.”

“Jeff was a key part of our success,” Monaghan said. “His overall knowledge and commitment to the players sets him apart. He will be missed, but we are happy for him and this new opportunity. I know he and his family are excited to be making the transition.”

Walls will replace Wilson Speck, who stepped away from coaching to pursue an administrative opportunity outside the district.

DeSoto Central softball finished the 2021 season as the North Half runners-up and had won back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. The Lady Jags are welcoming back several key contributors in 2022 and are expected to be one of the top teams in the state.