Smith Is Named Basketball Coach

Bill Smith, the Beverly Hills High freshman basketball coach the past two seasons, was hired Tuesday as the boys’ varsity basketball coach at the school.

“I’m happy to get the job,” Smith said. “I’m very familiar with the kids. I don’t think there will be a lot of changes, but more of an emphasis on defense and defensive transition. We’re not blessed with the tallest kids and not giving up things in the open court will be a priority.”

Smith coached Beverly Hills’ junior varsity from the 1979-80 to 1981-82 seasons and spent the next four seasons as a Santa Monica College assistant. The Crenshaw High and Cal State Northridge graduate was the Beverly Hills boys’ volleyball coach from 1984 to 1990.

Smith succeeds Jack Dyck, who resigned as basketball coach last month after 12 seasons but is staying at the school as athletic director and physical education teacher.