LaPlace, LA.-In his search for a new boys’ head basketball coach, St. Charles Catholic High School principal Andrew Cupit went looking for someone with experience and enthusiasm. What he found was the perfect blend of youth and basketball pedigree.

Jonathan Hernandez was introduced as the new head boys’ basketball coach at SCC on April 24. Hernandez replaces Jeff Montz who will continue his duties as assistant principal at the school. In his second stint as the Comets’ head coach, Montz led SCC to two district titles in the past three years and reached the regional round of the playoffs each of the last two seasons falling in triple overtime to eventual Top twenty eight participant Donaldsonville and to a John Curtis team that the Comets defeated twice. SCC.

Principal Andrew Cupit thanked Montz for his efforts.

&#8220Coach Montz provided great leadership and stability during a crucial time in our program,” Cupit said. &#8220He always got the most from his players and his teams obviously had great success.”

Hernandez comes to SCC from Archbishop Rummel where he served as assistant coach for the past two years. He also spent one year as an assistant at DeLaSalle. Hernandez was a two year starter at guard for Jesuit High School. He signed with Loyola where he played for his father, Jerry Hernandez. He flourished as a member of the Wolfpack, scoring 1,238 points and finishing as the ninth all time scorer in Loyola history. He was a member of the GCAC All-Conference team as a senior.

Hernandez expressed gratitude for getting an opportunity to be a head coach at such a young age.

&#8220I am very grateful to Mr. Cupit for giving me this opportunity,” Hernandez said. &#8220I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to learn the game of basketball from some of the best players and coaches in the area. I am hoping to build on the success that Coach Montz has had in recent years. I look forward to moving the program forward to eventually compete for a state championship.”

Cupit says that he is equally as excited.

&#8220Jonathan brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the job,” he said. &#8220He played college basketball and grew up around the game. Although he only has three years of professional experience, his understanding of the game goes beyond that. Our program is in great hands.”

Hernandez plans to hit the ground running-literally. He plans to begin conditioning immediately and has his team in a summer league beginning in early June.

&#8220We have some immediate challenges by moving up in class and into a new district. People can expect to see our team go above and beyond the call of duty. I expect us to compete in every game and do all the little things necessary to get the big thing- winning basketball games.”