Lebanon High School named Tom Russell as its interim boys basketball coach to replace Dave Merchant, who retired after 25 years on the bench.

        Superintendent Bill Spears said the appointment is on an interim basis so that Russell, who has two small children, can see if the head job is a good fit.

        “This is a great position here with tremendous kids and a great program,” Russell said.

        Lebanon went 22-2 last season, losing to Winton Woods in the Division I District Finals.

        This is Russell's first head-coaching position after 24 years as an assistant.

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