A new era in Juanita High School basketball began last week when the school hired Jeff Patrick as its head boys basketball coach.

Patrick previously coached at Issaquah High School, where he went 133-87 in nine seasons as the head coach. During his time there the Eagles won the KingCo 3A championship three times and made three appearances in the 3A state tournament, with the best finish a second in state in 2003.

Patrick cited the commute to Issaquah as the reason for the move.

“I loved Issaquah,” he said. “(But) getting there just became too much.”

The commute won’t be a problem in his new position: Patrick lives just a two- or three-minute drive from Juanita.

Patrick replaces Zeke Bambolo, who posted a 35-47 record in four seasons at Juanita. The Rebels went 12-10 last year and advanced to the Sea-King District Tournament.

He inherits a Rebel roster that loses 11 seniors. But he said having a younger squad will give him a chance to grow with the team.

As for his philosophy, Patrick said he will “give kids the freedom to be creative on the offensive end,” as long as they work hard on the defensive end.

Juanita will move from the KingCo 4A to the KingCo 3A next season, but Patrick said there’s little difference in the competition.

“If you look at our district over the past 10 years, it’s the best basketball in the state,” he said.

One of Patrick’s former assistants, Jeff Altchech, will take over as the Issaquah head coach.

Contact Adam McFadden at amcfadden@reporternewspapers.com.