FERRIDAY, La. – Paul Glynn may be the new head coach of the Hounds varsity boys basketball team, but he is not new to Huntington.

In fact, the 2000-2001 season will be his third stint as head coach at Huntington.

He replaced Greg Weatherly, who left the school after the 1999-2000 season concluded, but he coached the Hounds in 1989-1990 and 1991-1992. After his second time at Huntington, he coached at Monterey High School from the 1993-1994 season to 1999-2000.

&uot;It’s a big plus for them to have a new coach,&uot; he said of his players.

He hopes the third time will be the charm for him as Huntington’s coach, but winning won’t be easy.

Last year, Huntington was only 6-15 and was eliminated in the first round of the MPSA District 6-1A playoffs.

Among the key players for the Hounds is senior forward/center Randy Hinson (6-1, 165), a transfer from Monterey High.

&uot;Fundamentally, he shoots the ball well, he rebounds well and makes free throws when he needs to,&uot; Glynn said.

Another key player Glynn is looking to step up is sophomore guard Patrick Clayton (5-8, 150), who played on Huntington’s junior varsity team last year.

Glynn said the weaknesses for the Hounds this year are playing experience and height.

&uot;Josh Johns (junior, center, 6-3, 170) is the only size I’ve got,&uot; he said. &uot;With the lack of size we’ve got, he’s got to rebound a lot and I know he will.&uot;

Glynn said good team chemistry, team speed and foot speed will help make up for the lack of size.

He said that senior Wyatt Kemp (5-11, 155) and junior Todd Iverstine (5-7, 130) will compete for one of the guard positions.

This year, Huntington is playing in the new MPSA District 5-1A with Trinity, Pine Hills, Chamberlain-Hunt, Amite School Center and Ben’s Ford.

&uot;It’s a toss-up as to who will win the district this year,&uot; he said. &uot;I don’t think any one team has an advantage over the others.&uot;

However, Glynn said Pine Hills and Trinity are the favorites.

&uot;Pine Hills has the better athletes with (Jonathan) Honea and (Jeff) Whittington,&uot; he said. &uot;Trinity’s had a lot of success.&uot;

Huntington’s season begins Thursday as it hosts Tallulah Academy. Junior varsity games begin at 4 p.m. with varsity games immediately following.