Coaches are often remembered for their accolades and even though Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach Phil LaScala is quite prestigious, players appreciate his motivation to push everyone to be their best.

Throughout the past several years, LaScala has made one of the biggest impacts to the success of the Scouts. Last year, he guided the team to another Regional Championship win. 

Coach LaScala is known for being able to get the best out of his players. In practice, LaScala is the most authentic person in the gym; he’s not afraid to let people know when they mess up.

“He is an extremely passionate coach who has never failed to be honest with me and has taught me what it really means to work hard,” said senior guard Charlie Engelberg.

Many players on the team believe that LaScala’s coaching is very unique. They know that the kind of motivation he gives cannot be found anywhere else. 

“Coach LaScala is a very demanding and motivating head coach,” said senior captain Hudson Scroggins. “Everyone becomes a better version of themselves when he’s in the gym.” 

A key component of being a great leader is being able to shape your players off the court as well. LaScala is helping to teach kids how to be better people in the following years after high school and at the next level.

“He has prepared me immensely for the college level and is someone that I regularly keep in contact with and someone that I will always turn to for advice. All current and former players of Coach LaScala are lucky to have him by their side,” said LFHS alumnus Asa Thomas. 

Thomas now plays Division 1 collegiate basketball at Clemson University.

“During my time with him this past season, I really learned about being the best teammate I could possibly be,” said junior guard Dominic Mordini. “He taught me to keep a positive attitude, and to never quit when things get hard.”

LaScala is also a teacher inside of our school. He believes that teaching has helped him to improve his coaching abilities. 

“We believe in our program that you have to be a good teacher to be a good coach. The balance is the enthusiasm you bring every day for both,” said Head Coach LaScala.

With the excitement of the upcoming basketball season, you can count on seeing the passionate and motivating coach on the sidelines influencing his players’ growth.