NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk High School will be starting next season with a new head coach for the boys basketball team. 

Dribbling in to take over for Ben Bohn, Ben Ries will be the boys basketball head coach. 

Ries coached the NHS boys basketball team from 2002 to 2016. He also coached the girls basketball team for the last three seasons. 

Norfolk Public Schools said that Ries has been at NHS for 22 years. He has coached 14 years for boys basketball, was the activities director for five years, and has been the girls basketball coach for the last three years. 

“Serving as the head girls basketball coach has been a rewarding and memorable experience," Ries said. "I’ve enjoyed each of the three seasons and I believe the girls program is going in the right direction. I appreciate the efforts of the players, coaches, and parents as we worked to grow the program. I’ll be available to assist with the transition to a new head girls coach and look forward to seeing the program continue its positive trajectory. I am excited for the opportunity to lead the boys basketball program. This program has been a large part of my professional career and I’m eager to help the program improve.” 

NPS said that as boys basketball coach, Ries led the Panthers to a 244-94 record over 14 seasons, including eight trips to the NSAA Class A State Tournament. The Panthers finished as state runners-up in 2010, 3rd Place in 2011, and 4th Place in 2014. His career record: 244-94 (Boys) 18-52 (Girls) TOTAL: 262-146.

“After doing an extensive search for a new head boys basketball coach, we felt hiring Ben was the best fit for the Norfolk High School boys basketball program," said John Erwin Norfolk High Athletic Director. "Ben has worked very hard during his years as head boys and head girls basketball coach to improve both programs. He has been involved in the development of the Little Panthers youth basketball program which is an integral part of the player development process. We will start a search for a head girls basketball coach but feel that Ben is leaving the girls program in very capable hands.”