Monessen native gets head coaching opportunity in Arizona

By Jeff Oliver

MVI Sports

Kellen Holmes didn’t start small with his first basketball head coaching job.

The Monessen native and 2006 Monessen High School graduate had coached six years as a varsity boys basketball assistant coach at Saguaro High in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he now makes his home.

Now he is eagerly awaiting his first season as head coach at nearby Westview High School in Avondale.

Even though Westview didn’t open as a school until 1989, it is the largest school in the Tolleson Union High School District.

Westview plays in Class 6A and is one of the largest high schools in Arizona.

“We have over 3,500 students,” Holmes said. “It’s a really big school and a great opportunity. I feel so blessed to be here.”

Last season, the Knights went 9-9 and lost in the first round of the 6A playoffs.

“We have a lot of talent back and I’m excited to get going,” he said. “I rented a gym (Tuesday) and got us together. I had to rent a gym because all of the school facilities are closed.”

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