Varnado coach Brad Oestriecher has been named Franklinton’s new basketball coach, replacing Randall Ginn, who took the associate head coaching position at Hahnville.

Oestriecher said he’s looking forward to the new challenge.

“I’m extremely excited for the summer league to see what assets we have and what weaknesses we need to overcome,” Oestriecher said.

Franklinton will be participating in the Mandeville Summer Basketball League at Pelican Park and the Demons begin play next week.

Oestriecher, 30, said it should be a smooth transition to Franklinton and credited Ginn with leaving him a solid program to build on.

“We played each other three times each year since I’ve been here,” Oestriecher said. “We play in many of the same tournaments, so I’m familiar with these guys and the program.”

Ginn assisted with the search for the school’s new coach and said he appreciated principal Lisa Tanner allowing him to help.

“We had three coaches in mind and he was the first one. I haven’t worked with him in the classroom, but I have seen him grow as a coach,” Ginn said. “His game planning has been a lot better since his first year. He’s put in a lot of time in to improving his coaching knowledge.

“I always respected the fact that Varnado competed with us. They won the championship of our tournament this year. He runs a style of play that our fans enjoy. The kids are going to be well-versed in fundamentals and he’ll continue the exciting style of play our fans have grown accustomed to.”

Oestriecher has spent the past three seasons at Varnado, where he compiled a 47-33 record (.587 winning percentage). This past season, the team finished 21-6 overall and captured the District 8-1A title. The Wildcats reached the quarterfinals and nearly pulled off a comeback before coming up short to Arcadia, 65-62. Varnado trailed 60-50 with 1:18 left in the final period, but the team fought back and nearly tied it on a last second heave from three-quarters court. Arcadia eventually won the state title with a 55-48 victory over Southern Lab.

Being Varnado’s basketball coach was Oestriecher’s first career head coaching job.

“The kids were great and the community was great, but in the end, I had to do what was right for my family and my future,” he said. “I appreciate all of the lessons I’ve learned and all of the kids I coached and I appreciate the administration and staff over there.”

Varnado principal Jennifer Beninato said Oestriecher was a great basketball coach and mentor to the young men at Varnado High School.

“He has been an asset to our school community and our kids,” Beninato said. “He was a huge part of our basketball success at Varnado this last year. We wish him well at Franklinton. I know basketball is his passion and he will do well there.”

In addition to coaching basketball, Oestriecher was also an assistant football coach. He was Varnado’s offensive coordinator. At Franklinton, he will continue to coach on the gridiron. He’ll be coaching special teams and running backs.

Tanner spoke highly of Oestriecher.

“I am incredibly excited for our boys basketball team at FHS as we welcome Coach Oestriecher to Demon country,” Tanner said. “Coach Oestriecher is young and demands excellence, and has high expectations for his team.

“I know he will lead our young men to go beyond their limits academically, athletically, and in the community. He will have an immediate impact on our basketball program. I am looking forward to working with Brad as the program continues to excel.”