Payne out as Stonington boys' basketball coach

One day after his team defeated Bacon Academy 58-56, first-year Stonington High School boys’ basketball coach Tim Payne resigned Wednesday, athletic director Bryan Morrone confirmed.

“He resigned for personal reasons,” Morrone said. “It was his decision. He came in with a letter of resignation this morning. It all happened pretty quick. … We’re going to move forward.”

Morrone said junior varsity coach Matt Rollins and volunteer assistant Kevin Dipollino will coach the Bears, although Morrone said he’s seeking a “possible interim coach.”

Stonington, following the win over Bacon, is 7-4.

Payne was previously the boys’ coach at St. Bernard before being hired at Stonington this year.