Kobi Gardea named head coach of Pocatello High School boys basketball team

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is pleased to announce the selection of Kobi Gardea as the head coach of the boys basketball team at Pocatello High School. Gardea is replacing Joe Green, who resigned in April. In February, Green and his coaching staff, which included Gardea, led the Thunder to its first 4A State Championship in twenty years.

Gardea played four years on varsity at Pocatello High School under Coach Joe Green, where he was named All State his junior and senior seasons. After high school, Gardea joined the Idaho State University Bengals, where he played one season under Bill Evans. As a Bengal, Gardea participated every day in practice and experienced what it takes to compete at the highest level of college basketball. He then earned a full ride scholarship to play basketball at Eastern Oregon University (NAIA). Gardea earned a starting spot and led the conference in assist to turnover category. He served as a captain in both his second and third seasons, averaging ten points and six assists a game.

After his time on the court, Gardea became an assistant coach for Eastern Oregon University (2020-2023), where he was responsible for all aspects of running a basketball program, including recruiting, scheduling, fundraising, scouting reports, film breakdown, and developing players. In his first year, the team went 18-13 and lost in the quarterfinals. The second year, Gardea helped lead the team to 21-11, earning a spot at the NAIA national tournament for the first time in nine years.

Gardea moved back to Pocatello in 2023 and has been helping as an assistant coach for both the junior varsity and varsity boys basketball teams at Pocatello High School. The JV team went 16-5 with a young team comprised of sophomores and a single junior. The state championship-winning varsity team enjoyed a 22-5 season.

"Coach Gardea embodies the perfect balance of passion and discipline. Pocatello High School is confident Coach Gardea will guide our student athletes not only to victory on the court but also towards character, resilience, and teamwork. His commitment to excellence both on and off the court makes him a coach worth investing in," said Principal Lisa Delonas.

The coaching change goes into effect immediately.