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The Gilbert High School girls basketball team has hired its new head coach, the team’s third coach in as many seasons. 

Colton Walker announced on Twitter Wednesday that he’s taking the coaching reins for the upcoming season.

“Three weeks ago, I got contacted by my old high school coach, Shane Burcar, who is now the head men’s basketball coach at NAU. He asked me if I was ready to become a high school head coach and I told him I was just waiting for the right opportunity,” Walker told The Republic via text message.

“He put me in contact with Jay Caserio, the boys basketball coach at Gilbert, and Dan Haasch the athletic director. Forty-eight hours later, I was at Gilbert High School interviewing for the job on September 28th. They recommended me for hire two days later.”

Walker replaces Dennis Carter who coached Gilbert for just one season.

Carter led the team to a 23-7 record and the 5A conference state semifinals before losing to two-time defending champion Goodyear Millennium last season.

Kyle Pedersen preceded Carter, coaching the Lady Tigers into the 5A title runnerup during the 2018-19 season before he stepped down from the role.

Have tips for us? Reach the reporter at [email protected] or at 480-486-4721. Follow his Twitter @iam_DanaScott.

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