A State High alumnus will be taking the reins of the Little Lions boys’ basketball program.
Brian Scholly was approved on Monday night by the State College Area School Board as the next State High boys’ basketball head coach. Scholly succeeds Joe Walker, who stepped down from the position in April after leading the team to 70 wins over four seasons.
A 2010 State High graduate, Scholly returns to the school after spending three seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Juniata College.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity, and I am thrilled to come back to my alma mater where I look to have a positive impact on a community which had such a lasting impact on me,” Scholly said. “Our basketball program is filled with a rich tradition and I look forward to connecting with all who have impacted the program over the years and for the years to come. I am excited to work with a student body and a basketball program that is committed to success on the floor, in the classroom and in the community.”
Scholly played college basketball at Juniata, where he received a degree in history with a secondary emphasis in education in 2014. During his time playing for the Eagles, Scholly was a four-year forward and scored 1,138 career points, seventh in school history. He set school records for made three-pointers and three-point shooting percentage.
He received Juniata’s John E. Blood Award for excellence in the classroom and on the basketball court.
“He brings a great tradition of experience, not only as a player at State High and at Juniata College, but also as a coach in the college ranks,” Athletic Director Chris Weakland said. “I am delighted for our kids, families and community as he brings a high level of passion, professionalism and integrity to the job. We feel very fortunate to have Brian working with our kids.”
The Little Lions went 24-2 in 2017-18, advancing to the second round of the PIAA playoffs before falling to Pine-Richland.
