BAY MINETTE, Ala. - A new chapter begins for Coastal Alabama - South Men's Basketball as 11th-year head coach Robby Robertson welcomes an accomplished freshman class to the Bay Minette campus for the 2026-27 season.
The eight-member signing class, set to arrive on campus next week, is filled with proven winners from some of the Southeast's top high school programs. Collectively, the group features multiple state champions, state finals MVPs, all-state selections and standout student-athletes who have built reputations for success on and off the court.
The class spans four states and includes five players standing 6-foot-8 or taller, giving the Coyotes added versatility and size heading into the upcoming season.
Joe Taylor arrives in Bay Minette after putting together one of the most accomplished high school careers in southwest Alabama. The 6-foot-3 guard from Jackson High School in Jackson, Ala. helped lead the Aggies to back-to-back Alabama Class 4A State Championships and earned 2025 State Finals MVP honors. Taylor was also named the 2026 AL.com People's Choice Award winner and graduated with a 3.9 GPA.
Fresh off a Kentucky State Championship, Amari Bartelson brings championship experience to the Coyotes' frontcourt. The 6-foot-8 forward from George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Ky., earned All-Tournament Team honors during his team's title run while posting a 3.1 GPA in the classroom.
History followed Christian Williams throughout his senior season at Barton High School in Forrest City, Ark. The 6-foot-2 guard led the Arkansas program to its first state championship in school history and was named the Arkansas State Finals MVP after his standout performance on the biggest stage.
Size and versatility arrive in the form of Ethan Diaz, a 6-foot-9 forward from Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Fla. Diaz helped guide Lake Howell to the Florida Class 6A Final Four, competing against some of the state's top talent.
Another versatile addition, Jayden Robinson comes to Coastal Alabama after starring in two sports at Pelham High School in Pelham, Ala. The 6-foot-8 forward excelled in both basketball and baseball while leading the Panthers to a 29-3 record and a No. 1 ranking in Alabama for much of the 2026 season.
The Coyotes also strengthened their frontcourt with the addition of Ta'Hare Beacham from Dothan High School in Dothan, Ala. Beacham, a 6-foot-8 forward, helped lead Dothan to a 30-5 record and an appearance in the Alabama Class 7A Final Four.
Few players arrive with the scoring résumé of CJ Charlot. The 6-foot-2 guard from Beau Chene High School in Arnaudville, La., finished as the school's all-time leading scorer after surpassing the 2,000-point milestone as a junior. Charlot also earned Louisiana First Team All-State honors during his senior season.
Rounding out the class is Rayshon Lambert, a 6-foot-5 point guard from Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, Ala. Lambert led his team to a 22-7 record while also distinguishing himself in the classroom, graduating with a 3.5 GPA.
With a blend of championship pedigree, size, versatility and academic achievement, Robertson believes the incoming class is well-positioned to make an immediate impact as the Coyotes prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
The team will report to campus next week before officially beginning preparations for the upcoming season this fall.
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