Powell High School didn't reach far to pick a new head coach to guide the Panthers' basketball fortunes next year.

Mike Heny, a former Panther player and currently coaching the freshman team, was tapped to take over Powell's basketball program next year.

According to Activities Director Jeff Jones, the school received a number of applications from outside the district and the current staff. Because current coach Troy Hildebrand had announced his resignation in March, Jones said, the district was able to take its time finding a successor, and after careful consideration, determined that Heny was the best choice.

Heny, a 1988 graduate of PHS, said he was excited to be taking over the program he was once part of as a player.

“For me, growing up and graduating from here, it's a privilege to take over the program,” Heny said. “I feel a responsibility to keep the program moving up and continuing the Powell sports tradition.”

Heny said he will try to build continuity in the program so players can develop experience and teamwork.

“You need to get kids playing together early,” Heny said, “and keep key kids in the program for four years. Then you'll get kids that are seniors that know the program and play together.”

Heny is in his third year of teaching at PHS after several years of teaching in Cody, where he was head golf coach and coached basketball, first in middle school and later as the sophomore coach. Since returning to Powell, he has been part of Hildebrand's staff as freshman coach.