Prairie hires former Hawkeye James Moses

A well-known former Iowa Hawkeye guard will take over a Class 4A prep basketball program in the state.

This isn't repeating the news last week concerning Jeff Horner and West Des Moines Valley, though the folks at Cedar Rapids Prairie hope their hire creates a similar buzz. At least among its current and future players.

The school announced Tuesday that James Moses is its new head varsity coach. He replaces Paul Schenkelberg, who stepped down last month.

“Very excited,” said Prairie Athletics Director Rocky Bennett. “The bottom line is we identified James among several very good candidates. The thing about James is he is a super, super man. He has a lot of energy and drive and enthusiasm.”

Moses played at Iowa from 1989-92 and is the school's 13th-leading career scorer. That's two places behind Horner, by the way.

He works for the Iowa Department of Corrections but has basketball coaching experience as an assistant at Cedar Rapids Washington for eight years. He was an assistant this past season at Mount Mercy College.

“Very excited about the opportunity,” said Moses, a California native. “I am humbled and highly appreciate that Rocky Bennett and the Prairie administration and Prairie community have given me a chance to lead this program.”

Prairie has struggled mightily in recent seasons, ending a 53-game losing streak in the Mississippi Valley Conference last season. The school has had several players transfer to other schools, including four who played last season at Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

“I know we have work to do,” Moses said. “But I know I've got good support around me.”

Here's the Press Release from Prairie:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James Moses Hired as New Prairie Boys Basketball Coach

Prairie High School Athletic Director Rocky Bennett announced the hiring of James Moses as the head boys basketball coach pending board approval.

Moses is no stranger to coaching.  Moses was the assistant men's coach at Mount Mercy College and prior to that served eight seasons as an assistant boy's basketball coach at Cedar Rapids Washington.

Moses, a graduate of the University of Iowa, played under the direction of Tom Davis from 1988-1992.   “James is a guy waiting to explode, said former Iowa teammate and current Providence College Assistant Men's coach Rodell Davis.  “His basketball knowledge is off the charts and he will hit the ground running.”

“The inclusive process we used identified several excellent candidates but we are extremely fortunate to have James Moses on board as our basketball coach,” said Bennett.  “He is not only a good coach but will be a wonderful role model for our young men at all grade levels.  He will bring an excitement and passion to our program that will serve us well as we compete in the MVC.”

Since 1995 Moses has worked for the Iowa Department of Corrections. He has a wide variety of leadership experiences and has been an active member with youth based programs.  Moses and his wife Peg have three children Jade 18, Alexus 15 and Jaylon 7.

“I am extremely excited and humbled by this opportunity to lead the Prairie boy's basketball program,” said Moses.  I look forward to working with our players and instilling an attitude to be a success on and off the court.”