Jeff Cisneros has been hired as the new head coach of the Emery High School boy’s basketball program, it was announced by Principal Steve Gordon Thursday afternoon.

Cisneros, an Emery County native, played basketball for the Spartans under former head coach Todd Jeffs from 1986-88. He remains second all-time at the high school in career assists.

“Coach Jeffs was here for so long and has done such a remarkable job with the program,” said Cisneros. “Those are such big shoes to step in and try to fill. I’m excited to go back to Emery where I played my high school career and see what I can do and maintain what they’ve been doing.”

With deep ties to local athletics in the Castle Country, Cisneros has led the Helper American Legion baseball program for three decades. He is also currently in year seven as the manager of the Carbon High School baseball team. The current plan is for Cisneros to continue to lead the baseball program heading into the 2021 spring season.

“If you look at all of our travel teams for basketball or baseball we always have a mix of Carbon and Emery County kids on those teams,” Cisneros said when asked about coaching for two schools. “I don’t care where you’re from. If you’re willing to come in and give me your best, you’re going to get my best. It doesn’t really matter to me what school you attend.”

Cisneros will be entering his second stint as a varsity high school basketball coach. He was named to the same position at Carbon High School in 2011. The Dinos qualified for the state tournament play-in round three times during his time at the helm.

“I’ve missed the hands on with the players every day on the basketball court,” said Cisneros. “You’re running plays, putting in philosophies and doing things that lead you to seeing rewards for your kids, if they buy in. That’s what I have really missed the most.”

The head coaching position at Emery opened for the first time since 1989 when Jeffs announced his retirement at the end of the 2019-20 season. Jeffs put together an elite resume’ during his time at the helm that includes two state championships, two second place finishes,13 final four appearances,17 region titles and 515 wins.

Listen to the complete interview with Coach Cisneros below: