Essa Named Basketball Coach at Bell-Jeff

Eli Essa, an assistant basketball coach at North Hollywood High for nine years, has been named boys’ varsity coach at Bell-Jeff in Burbank.

Essa, 44, an assistant to Steve Miller since 1986, helped guide the Huskies to eight league championships and a City Section 3-A Division title in 1990.

Last season, the Huskies finished second in the East Valley League and were eliminated by Crenshaw in the opening round of the playoffs.

“I’m very happy for him, but I will miss him,” Miller said. “We had a great working arrangement and we’re very close friends.”

Essa, who lives in Burbank, said he is excited about coaching in his community. This is Essa’s first varsity position as a head coach.

“I hated to leave North Hollywood,” Essa said. “But this is an opportunity I’ve always wanted.”

Essa replaces Ron Quarterman, who resigned to become coach at Burbank High.