RESERVE — East St. John High went to a familiar name for its next head boys basketball coach.

Charles Julien, who coached the Wildcats from 2002-2007, will take over for his former assistant Yussef Jasmine, who left to become head coach at Hahnville High School.

Julien has served as an assistant girls coach at Riverside Academy in recent years.

Julien was one of the most successful boys basketball coaches ESJH history. He led the Wildcats to the school’s first district championship in 2007, shared with Destrehan, and their first outright district title in 2009.

He led the team to the Top 28 Tournament, two state quarterfinals and four consecutive playoff appearances.

“I want to help our players win the championship and I want to continue to build on the winning ways that Coach Yussef Jasmine started at East St. John High School,” Julien said.

“My goal is also to prepare students for the game of life, so mentoring young men from our community is huge for me.”

Julien has worked with area youth for more than 25 years, leading two St. John Parish teams to the National Biddy Championship and coaching several travel teams.

He has been employed as a teacher since 1999 and served time as a St. John the Baptist Parish councilman.

“Charles Julien has been a staple in the community,” ESJH principal Tabari Simon said. “It is always a great day to have an opportunity to employ individuals who have the best interest of students and the school at heart. I look forward to having Mr. Charles Julien on staff to work as a teacher and varsity basketball coach. We expect great things from him as a mentor, teacher and coach of our students.”

Julien hopes to build excitement for the team among students and the community.

“The style we want to play is fan-friendly,” he said. “We’re going to get up and down. It will be fast-paced.”