Picayune Coach Kelton Thompson absent for second game

The Picayune boys basketball team played their second game in a row without Head Coach Kelton Thompson last night (Tuesday February 13). Thompson was not on hand Friday at Kelly Wise Gymnasium when Picayune played Hancock on senior night and Thompson was absent on Tuesday when Picayune played Hattiesburg in the first round of the region tournament. Assistant coach Eric Vianney has served as the head coach for the Maroon Tide over the last two games.

The reason for his absence has not been made public. Picayune High School school district officials and Thompson are staying quiet on the matter.

When questioned by Sun Herald sports reporter Patrick Magee, Picayune School District assistant superintendent Brent Harrell declined to comment on Friday about Thompson’s status with the basketball program and told the SunHerald it was a personnel matter.

According to the Sun Herald, Picayune athletic director Walt Esslinger has failed to return multiple calls made to him by the Sun Herald.

WRJW News contacted Thompson after his absence at Friday’s game, but he did not want to comment on his absence from the game against Hancock nor his current status with the school system.