Prairie High School announced Friday the hiring of Josh Bentley as the new head girls basketball coach, pending board approval.

Bentley replaces Steve Doser, who resigned at the conclusion of the year.

"We are very excited for Josh to take over our girls basketball program," said Activities Director Rocky Bennett. "He has an excellent coaching background from a variety of schools with a proven track record.

"His basketball knowledge, enthusiasm, work ethic and desire to build relationships are among the qualities he possesses that will help continue to take our program to new heights."

Bentley, a native of Calmar, Iowa, worked as the girls basketball coach at Ridgewood Coop High School in Cambridge, Ill., and Eastern Allamakee in Lansing, Iowa. He also spent five years at Midland High School in Wyoming, Iowa.

His teams have consistently finished in the top half of their conference. During his coaching tenure he has coached 13 all-conference players, including a first team all-state selection and a conference MVP.

"I am very thankful and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Cedar Rapids Prairie girls basketball program," said Bentley. "I am eager to get to work, along with meeting with the team, parents and community.

"My family and I are very excited about being able to move closer to home near family and friends and to join the Prairie family."

Bentley will teach Special Education at College Community Schools. He and his wife, Kristie, have four children Tatem, Tylan, Asa and Vaughn.