Crittenden County native Kenny Jackson is returning home to lead the Rocket basketball program, becoming the team’s fourth head coach in six seasons.
Jackson replaces Matt Fraliex, who stepped down a few weeks ago after a winless 0-26 campaign in 2025. The Rockets went 3-25 the previous season in Fraliex’s first year as head coach, and have struggled in recent years, with records of 11-18 in 2023, 14-17 in 2022, and 13-10 in a COVID-shortened 2021, which was its last winning season.
The new coach brings a strong foundation of fundamentals, sportsmanship and conditioning to the court, values he says will be critical in turning the program around.
“We have to be in great shape and play with a lot of heart and intensity,” said Jackson. “I believe in teaching discipline on and off the court.”
A 1993 graduate of Crittenden County High School, Jackson was a Rocket himself before beginning his coaching career in Mayfield. At Northside Baptist Christian Church, he spent seven seasons building a successful program that produced a state championship, two state runner-up finishes and three trips to the Elite 8 of the Kentucky Christian School Champion series.
“My goals are simple, to have a successful program, win games, boost confidence and build relationships with the community,” Jackson said.
Married to his wife, Susan, for 28 years, Jackson has two sons, Tanner, 25, and Alex, 21, and three grandchildren. He enjoys watching Kentucky basketball, playing golf and spending time with his family. Now, he’s focused on the future of Rocket basketball.
“I am looking forward to leading the boys basketball program to many successful seasons,” Jackson said. “And I’m excited to become involved again with the community.”
Jackson is expected to begin duties soon, as summer league play begins in June for high school basketball. The community met him Thursday at Rocket Arena.
