Earl Anderson knows most people assumed he would leave his post as Nokomis girls basketball coach after the 2002-03 season. After all, the Warriors of Newport graduated all five starters from group that won a Class A state title, two Eastern Maine crowns, and one regional runner-up plaque.

Anderson, however, didn’t want to go out leaving the program with few experienced players. Over the summer he decided to return, and after a solid season of bringing up some of the younger players, the nine-year coach has decided the time is right to resign.

Anderson told his team and the school’s administration Friday, but he hasn’t yet submitted his official resignation.

“I didn’t want to leave [the program] so that whoever came in would have to start from scratch,” he said. “I didn’t want to feel like I was leaving it in bad shape. They’re a good, talented group and I like the younger kids coming up, too.”

There isn’t one specific reason that played into Anderson’s decision to leave, which he’s been pondering this season.

“There’s no one thing,” he said. “It’s just time to do something different personally and professionally.”

Anderson coached the Warriors to a 9-10 record this season, which ended Tuesday with a 52-41 loss to No. 7 Messalonskee of Oakland in the preliminary round.

Nokomis achieved that record despite losing all five of last year’s starters to graduation. Eight letterwinners are expected to return next season.

“I think we got a lot better,” he said of the season. “Part of that was [the team’s] commitment and effort.”

Anderson had a 101-43 regular-season mark at Nokomis, including an 18-0 record in the 2000-01 regular season en route to a state-title win over McAuley of Portland.

The Warriors fell to Cony of Augusta in the 2002 Eastern Maine final but defeated the Rams in 2003 for a berth in the state-title game. McAuley tipped Nokomis 50-39 in that game.

Anderson said he’s enjoyed working with the Nokomis administration, especially athletic director Carl Parker.

“Obviously he’s going to be missed,” Parker said. “I have the utmost respect for him and he’s going to be awfully hard to replace. Not only is he a good coach but he’s a good friend. It’s disappointing.”

Anderson teaches history at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, where he previously coached the boys basketball and baseball teams.

He said he “wouldn’t close the door” on an eventual return to coaching.

Anderson has also coached boys basketball at Orono High and Hampden Academy.