Barry Gibson has been named the new head boys' basketball coach at La Porte High School.

"I'm excited and honored," Gibson said. "It's a great program, and we've got great kids who are very excited and very dedicated. It's going to be a lot of fun!"

Gibson grew up in neighboring Deer Park, and he and his family have lived in La Porte for the past 12 years. He noted that La Porte has had a strong basketball program throughout the years, and he remembers well the 1987 LPHS team's 40-0 season that culminated in a state championship.

He added that he excited to honor the coaches and players who have been a part of the LPHS program and to have the chance to coach in his own community.

"We love the community, and that's a big part of it," he said.

Gibson graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in humanities in 1995. He has extensive high school coaching experience, with his most recent position starting the basketball program at New Caney Porter High School, which opened last year.

Gibson's experience also includes coaching at Pearland, Tolar, Needville and South Houston high schools. While in Pearland, he served as assistant coach for the 1997 state semifinalist team. He also was named Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2004, leading his Needville team to the playoffs.

Gibson played high school basketball at Deer Park under the late Billy Carlisle and played collegiately under Gene Bahnsen at Wharton County Junior College, leading the Pioneers to the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament in 1989.

He and his wife, Debbie, who will join the College Park Elementary staff, have three children-Zane, 11; Zoe, 9; and Zakary, 7.