HARTSELLE – The “Golden” era will soon begin for the Hartselle High School boys basketball program.

At least the Tigers can hope that’s the case after the school named Josh Golden to replace Faron Key, who left following 10 successful seasons.

Key is coach of the Wallace State-Hanceville men’s team after winning 299 games between stints at Hartselle and Arab.

Golden brings his own bonafides with a combined record of 377-246 with stops at Mortimer Jordan (2016-24), Thompson (girls, 2013-16) and Sylacaugua (boys, 2011-13). He led Sylacauga to a final four appearance and also won two state championships at AISA Tuscaloosa Academy.

“Hartselle has a tradition of excellence in basketball and has obviously been very successful in all sports,” Golden said. “It is also one of the top overall high schools in the state.

“Coach Key did an outstanding job of growing the basketball program, and I am excited about continuing the success Hartselle has had in recent years.” 

Jake Miles, the school’s athletic director, said, “Coach Golden has always found a way to help his players compete at a very high level versus some of the top competition and toughest teams in the state.

“He has been successful at every stop along the way in his career and we feel the match between him and Hartselle High will be a great fit.”