Shane Garner hired as head basketball coach at Sesser-Valier

By Jim Muir

The Sesser-Valier Unit School District board, during action at Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, hired Shane Garner as the new head basketball coach.

Garner, a 2002 graduate of S-V High School and a former multi-sport standout at the Franklin County school, replaces Chip Basso, who resigned the position last month.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Garner said. “I know the students, the school and the community so I think it will be a very seamless transition.”

Garner served as an assistant under Basso during the past four years that included a remarkable post-season run in 2010 and a second place finish in the IHSA Class A state basketball tournament. Garner also previously worked two years coaching at the freshman level at S-V.

Garner is a graduate of Rend Lake College where he played basketball and baseball and then graduated from SIUC in 2007.

Basso, who remains as a teacher and athletic director at S-V, was equally excited about the board’s decision to hire Garner.

“This just isn’t a great hire for the school and basketball program, it’s a great hire for the community,” said Basso.  “He (Garner) knows the kids and the program and he will do a great job.  I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Garner said the fact that he has been with the program for the past six years will also mean a smooth transition for the players.

“The kids know me and know what to expect,” said Garner. “So, I think it will make the change much easier on them, too.”

The Red Devils lost several key players to graduation but return Nick Marlo, Tyler Baxter and Jordan Gunter, who all started at different points during last season.