Local Digest: Alkire in at Modesto

Former Beyer football coach Rich Alkire, who led the Patriots to a 23-21 Sac-Joaquin Section playoff victory over Stagg in 2011, will take over as head coach at Modesto High this fall. He'll replace Rod Long, who stepped down after 12 seasons (48-75). Alkire left the Patriots after the 2011 season to join the staff at Gregori. "I'm really excited," said Alkire, who was at Beyer for 10 years total — two as head coach — before the move to Gregori. "I grew up and played at Tracy. I like the community, and the tradition and history of this program. It reminds me a lot of where I came from."

HARRIS LEAVES PRIDE FOR IDAHO

Pitman High's Brandon Harris will leave his post as head coach to take the same position at Columbia High School in Nampa, Idaho. Harris, a 1992 graduate of Melba (Idaho) High School and a 1997 graduate of Boise State, told the Idaho Statesman he is making the move to be closer to family. Harris was 53-23 during his eight seasons Pitman, and was the Pride's coach during the senior season of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

SEND PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMS

The Modesto Bee will be resuming weekly publication of boys' and girls' basketball players of the week starting this Tuesday. Players must be nominated by a coach or athletic director. To be considered, each nomination must include the reasons (stats from the previous week, achievements, etc.) that athlete is worthy of the honor and also much include a photo headshot of that athlete in medium or high resolution. Nominees will not be considered if the headshot is not included. Send your nominations to bvander-beek@modbee.com.