Mark LaFon has thrown his ball into a new court. Literally.

After a successful stint as basketball coach and assistant principal at South Point High School, LaFon has accepted a position as assistant principal at Ironton High School.

"Ironton just had some things to offer that I couldn't turn down," LaFon said. "Ironton has a commitment to its academics and athletics and I want to be a part in both aspects."

LaFon said he will continue coaching basketball with the Ironton program.

"I won't be the head coach, but I will be coaching which is something that I wanted," Lafon said.

LaFon has been the South Point boys head basketball coach the past six seasons after serving as the girls head coach and boys assistant coach at Chesapeake under Norm Persin for six more seasons. The Lady Panthers won their only league championship under LaFon's guidance.

Although LaFon is excited about his new position, he made the move with mixed emotions.

"It was a difficult decision because of my players. Telling them I was leaving was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. It was very emotional," LaFon said.

"I made a lot of good friends at South Point which makes it that more difficult of a decision, but I'm excited about the opportunity ahead of me. Ironton is a great school system with a lot of quality people on staff."