Dahl resigns as JWCC men’s basketball coach after one season at helm

QUINCY — For the second time in 15 months, the John Wood Community College men’s basketball program is in search of a new leader. 

The school announced Wednesday afternoon that Jonny Dahl resigned effective immediately after one season as the Trail Blazers head coach. Austin Banks, an assistant coach with the JWCC program the past year, has been named the interim coach.

The school also will conduct a search for Dahl’s permanent replacement.

“We wish Coach Dahl all the best as he pursues other opportunities,” JWCC athletic director Adam Hightower said in a press release. “Coach Banks knows our existing and incoming roster and is doing a great job. He is committed to the program and is excited to prepare for next season. We have full confidence in Coach Banks to lead our program. Per John Wood policy, we will open the position for hire and do our best to name a permanent head coach as soon as we can.”

Dahl, who was hired to replace current QU coach Brad Hoyt in June 2024, guided the Trail Blazers to a 14-18 record last winter.

The Trail Blazers are expected to return six players from last season’s squad, including Camp Point Central product Nick Moore and Winchester West Central product Zack Evans. 

The incoming freshman class includes Quincy Notre Dame guard Alex Dance and Palmyra forward Mason Smith. 

“We have a great group of returners and recruits we’ve been working with, and I appreciate the opportunity to lead this program in the interim,” Banks said in the press release. “My focus is to lead our guys. Ultimately, I want what is best for the program.”

Banks was in charge of player development for the Trail Blazers during the 2024-25 season. Prior to joining the JWCC staff, he served as a high school basketball coach and ran a private training academy in his home state of Florida. Banks played for Iowa Wesleyan University for four years and led the conference in assists during his junior and senior seasons.