Tracking area coaching moves in a wild Iowa high school girls’ basketball offseason

Even before Wednesday, this has been an uncommonly active offseason in Eastern Iowa girls’ basketball coaching circles

Jun. 15, 2022 3:20 pm, Updated: Jun. 17, 2022 8:28 am

Former Iowa City High standout and University of Illinois player Courtney Joens is now the head coach at West Liberty. (The Gazette)

Who would have ever guessed that the biggest girls’ basketball news day of this season — and maybe any season — would be on a Wednesday in June?

B.J. Mayer is moving to an administrative role at Iowa City West. Hawkeyes legend and Hawkeyes father Kenyon Murray has been hired at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Lynsey Barnard earned a promotion at Iowa City High.

Even before Wednesday, this has been an uncommonly active offseason in Eastern Iowa girls’ basketball coaching circles.

Here’s a refresher:

Cedar Rapids Jefferson

Jason Edwards stepped down March 1 after 10 seasons. Matt Hoeppner, who had been at West Liberty for three seasons, was named as Edwards’ successor April 25.

Cedar Rapids Prairie

Josh Bentley announced his departure June 7, to take the Anamosa High School principal job. Kenyon Murray was tabbed as the new coach Wednesday. Murray is a former Iowa player, father to Kris and Keegan Murray and father to Prairie junior McKenna Murray.

Iowa City High

After 23 years and a state championship in 2008, Bill McTaggart stepped down May 16. Lynsey Barnard, McTaggart’s top assistant last year, was elevated to the top role Wednesday.

Iowa City West

B.J. Mayer vacated the girls’ basketball post upon a promotion to athletics director, which became official Wednesday. A successor is yet to be named.

Maquoketa Valley

After a year’s sabbatical, Scot Moenck will return to the Wildcats’ sideline next season. He led them to a state runner-up finish in 2021.

West Delaware

Matt Uthoff has moved on to coach the girls’ basketball program at West Des Moines Valley. Brad Wubbena was selected as the new coach June 16.

West Liberty

Courtney Joens, former player at Iowa City High and the University of Illinois, will succeed Hoeppner with the Comets. Joens was an assistant last year at Iowa City High, and is the older sister of City High senior-to-be Kelsey Joens.

Williamsburg

Austin Mullikin left to take the boys’ basketball job at Vinton-Shellsburg. Stephanie (Rich) Dacey, who was named Miss Iowa Basketball 2001 after leading Washington (Iowa) to three state championships, will take over next season.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com