JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin boys basketball program has a new leader.

Riverton head coach Bronson Schaake has been named the next boys basketball head coach at Joplin High School. Schaake has served as the Rams head coach since 2016, and was a finalist for the 3A Coach of the Year this past season.

“I am thrilled to join a program that is focused on culture, people and excellence,” Schaake says in a release from Joplin High School, “I’m looking forward to diving in and building relationships with our players, the other coaches and the Joplin community.”

“We are extremely excited that Bronson is joining our school, community and athletic department,” says Matt Hiatt, Joplin High School Athletic Director, “As we went through the hiring process, Bronson stood out as a great communicator, teacher, role model and basketball coach. He is well-respected in the coaching community for the basketball program he has created at Riverton that centers around hard work, commitment, relationships and strong fundamentals. Bronson’s experience, abilities and passion for the game of basketball make him the perfect fit for our program. I cannot wait for him to get started.”