Ventura College has just announced that assistant coach Joey Ramirez has been hired as the school's new men's basketball head coach.

Ramirez, the 1994 WSC North co-Most Valuable Player at Ventura, has been Will Cowen's assistant coach over the past two seasons.

"Joey's loyalty to Ventura College started as a player in our program," said Cowen, the school's athletic director. "He paid his dues as a very successful high school coach. He's been an outstanding teacher. Obviously, he was excellent as an assistant coach over the past two years.

"He's earned the position in every regard."

At Oak Park High, Ramirez was the Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year honors in 2007-08, having guided the Eagles to a league title and a 22-8 record.

Ramirez played at Santa Paula High.