CHS boys, girls new head basketball coaches named

Cheney High School’s basketball programs will have some new direction when the 2019-2020 season comes calling.

School officials have announced the hiring of former Mt. Spokane assistant coach Frankie Keplinger as the new boys basketball head coach. Keplinger succeeds Gregg Smith, who stepped down this spring after four years of leading the Blackhawks.

School officials also announced the hiring of Roxie Smith as the new Lady Blackhawks head coach, replacing former head coach Loren Carlon who was let go in December 2018 after two-plus years in Cheney.

According to a district press release, Keplinger played prep basketball at Basic High School in Henderson, Nev., followed by a collegiate career first at Sacramento State University and finally Nevada State College. He began his coaching career in 1996 at a Henderson junior high school, followed quickly by a return to his alma mater as freshman team head coach.

Keplinger was an assistant coach at Basic for three seasons, becoming head coach in the winter of 2000-2001. After seven years, he helped open Coronado High School in Henderson, serving as head coach their until 2011.

Upon moving to the Spokane area, Keplinger assisted Mt. Spokane head coach David Wagenblast from 2017 until his hiring at Cheney. The Wildcats went 25-2 this season and lost to O’Dea High School in the 3A state title game.

Smith was an assistant under Carlon before being elevated to interim coach last December, guiding the Lady Blackhawks to a 8-8 record the rest of the season after a 1-3 start. In an email, CHS athletics director Jeff Chandler said Smith, who works in the district as a school psychologist, played her prep and collegiate basketball in South Dakota.

“She is very humble and truly wants no spotlight,” he added. “She knows the game well. Her true ability is in how she is able to connect with her athletes in her ability to teach the game.”

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].