The sudden resignation of Blackman girls basketball coach John Stigall was quickly filled by the school with a longtime local coach.

Former Oakland girls basketball coach Jennifer Grandstaff will take over the program the school announced Friday. She retired at the end of the 2019 season after leading the team to the sectionals.

Stigall resigned on Friday as well. He was hired to take over for Wendi Scott, who left the school in May to spend more time with her family.

"It's just a great opportunity and perfect timing," Grandstaff said. "They reached out to me, and I thought about it this summer and didn't think it was the right thing for me to do this summer.

 "It just so opened back up again. I couldn't be happier. I'm extremely excited to go to work with the great leadership at Blackman and work with a very talented group of young ladies."

Grandstaff spent 28 years at Oakland High School and won more than 500 games. The Lady Patriots finished state runner-up twice.

Blackman returns one of the top teams in the state and just missed making the TSSAA state tournament last season when it lost to Stone Memorial in the Sectional finals.

"I missed it more than I thought I would," Grandstaff said. "I realized how passionate I was about it. I think it's good to take a step back and reevaluate yourself.

"I don't think I would have gotten back into the game anywhere else. It was meant to be I guess. It was crazy how it all transpired, but I'm really excited about it."