Hirz headed to BBCC
Left to right: BBCC head coach Mark Poth, Mindi Hirz, Josh Hirz, Scott Hirz and MLHS athletic director Loren Sandhop.
MOSES LAKE - Those looking for more highlight plays out of Josh Hirz won't have to travel far.
The Moses Lake senior will be taking his talents just a few miles up Highway 17 to play for Mark Poth at Big Bend Community College.
"I've just been playing basketball my whole life," Josh said. "It's just been something I love so I wanted to give it a shot and see what I can do and I'm going to make the best of it."
Josh helped the 2013-2014 Moses Lake boys basketball team advance past the district playoffs for the first time since 1998.
The Chiefs (9-6, 13-10) took second place in the 4A District 6 Basketball Tournament and advanced to the 4A Regionals where the team was eliminated by Richland.
More often than not, Josh was the most athletic player on the floor, which he showcased in the Richland game with a massive putback dunk.
"I think I can bring some tempo, some upbeat and some things that a lot of guys kind of need," he said. "I like to find teammates. I'm good at playing with good people."
Poth will have to reload a Big Bend team that finished second in the NWAAC East, but failed to place in the NWAACC Tournament.
Josh will have an opportunity to contribute right away as the Runnin' Vikes will lose all five of their starters from a season ago.
Brendan Westendorf, Victor Aguero and Kevin Walker were all sophomores while freshman Richard Black and Sean McDonnell received scholarships from other institutions.
"All spots are open," Poth said. "We're excited to have Josh in the program. I think he's got a lot of upside to him. I think he's got a lot of potential to be a really good player and I look forward to coaching and working with him."
Josh will be a second generation Hirz to play under Poth as his father, Scott Hirz, also played for Big Bend. Poth joked that it was 100 years ago but did say that Josh gets his incredible leaping ability from his father.
"Coach Poth has a good program and he has a good way of coaching," Scott said. "He gets the best potential he can out of the kids the way he coaches. That's how I felt when I played."
Poth hopes that Josh, a local product, can help Big Bend return to the top of the NWAACC East.
"His ceiling is kind of the one he puts on himself," he said. "I look for good things for Josh the two years he's at Big Bend."