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Aaron Windler, who led Scottsdale Chaparral to back-to-back state runnerup finishes in 2010 and ’11, will take over as head boys basketball coach at Queen Creek Casteel.

Athletic Director Ryan Ridenour announced it Thursday evening in a news release.

“We are incredibly excited and ready to take the next step as a program,” Ridenour said in an email. “As soon as he knocks the dust off, I feel like we are in a great spot to use the foundation that coach (Brett) Huston set to springboard into a state power.”

Huston stepped down after this past season for health reasons.

Windler led Chaparral to a great run from 2008-11, when he led the Firebirds to three final four appearances.

He was the Desert Sky and East Sky Region Coach of the Year in 2009 and ’08, respectively.

Windler last coached in 2013 after one season at Phoenix Mountain Pointe.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of Casteel High School, the Casteel community, and the Chandler Unified School District. I want to thank Dr. Casteel, Principal Jayson Phillips, and Athletic Director Ryan Ridenour for their confidence in me,” Windler said in the news release. “I want to continue building a tradition of excellence within the basketball program that empowers our student-athletes, our students, our teachers, and overall school culture.”

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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