Led by Nick Webb (left), the coaching staff for the Lahainaluna High School boys varsity basketball team includes Scott Gouveia, Chad Santiago, TJ Rickard, Chris Lagazo, Casey Smythe and Marvin Sidon.

LAHAINA – There were some big shoes to fill after Lahainaluna High School varsity basketball coach Jason Justus stepped down after the 2018-19 season.

Coach Justus had served up the leadership in five consecutive Maui Interscholastic League championships for the Lunas, including an undefeated regular season last year.

In the wisdom that comes with decades of experience here on the West Side, Lahainaluna Athletic Director Scott Soldwisch has turned inward to find the replacement to guide the Lunas’ hoop dreams in the upcoming years.

Coach Scott brought in Lahaina grown multi-sport athlete Nick Webb as head coach of the LHS basketball program.

Webb grew up in Lahaina and graduated from Lahainaluna in 1998 after competing on the Lunas football and basketball teams. He began his coaching career with the dominating Lahaina Menehune League team and then assisted John Dudley at Lahainaluna for five years.

He will be joined on the Lunas staff that is filled with Lahainaluna graduates, including Scott Gouveia, Chad Santiago, TJ Rickard, Chris Lagazo, Casey Smythe and Marvin Sidon. All were standout, multi-sport athletes for the Lunas, and several went on to compete at the college level.

“We are looking to develop and build high-character kids that will become solid young men, being assets to their families, school and community while learning the game of basketball,” said Coach Webb in preparation to the beginning of practice and the tip off for the 2019-20 campaign.

The West Side community sends its support to the Lunas in anticipation of another championship year. Imua Lunas!