Brett Cooper has been selected to take the reins of Varnado’s boys basketball program.

“I’ve been wanting to be a head coach for a long time,” Cooper said. “This opportunity came up and I couldn’t pass it up.”

He replaces Brad Oestriecher, who accepted the head-coaching job at Franklinton after spending the past three seasons at Varnado.

Cooper, who turns 26 later on this month, said the team still has a lot of talent.

“I’m very excited about taking over the team,” Cooper said.

Cooper was the head coach of Varnado’s junior high basketball team last year. He is entering his third year of teaching and said he knows the players really well.

“I coached them in football and track last year and we’ve got a real good relationship,” Cooper said. “I taught some of them and they’re really good.”

Varnado principal Jennifer Beninato said she’s very excited to have Cooper.

“He is very passionate about it. He tells me that this is his dream to be a high school basketball coach,” she said. “He’s working really hard with the kids. Chris Brown is still going to be the assistant coach. They are a great team and have already enjoyed working together this summer and are planning things for the boys.”

Cooper, a 2008 Pine graduate, played both guard positions for the Raiders. He was an all-district player his final three years.

In addition to serving as the head coach for basketball, Cooper is also assisting with football. Cooper is coaching receivers, special teams and defensive backs.