Scott Anderson steps down as SPASH boys basketball coach

Scott A. Williams
Stevens Point Journal

STEVENS POINT  - After a lot of thought and deliberation, Scott Anderson felt the time was right.

Anderson announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as the Stevens Point Area Senior High boys basketball coach after nine seasons.

He led the Panthers to six consecutive Wisconsin Valley Conference championships and three consecutive WIAA Division 1 state championships from 2015-17.

"I just feel it’s the right time," said Anderson, who posted a 179-52 career record at SPASH. "I've coached for 28 years now in high school and college. Once our season ended, I knew enough not to make a rash decision because the end of season is an emotional time.

"It was my time to step aside and let someone else take a crack at coaching SPASH."

SPASH boys basketball coach Scott Anderson announced Tuesday he is stepping down after nine seasons. He finished with a 179-52 career record and led the Panthers to three straight Division 1 state championships.

Anderson indicated he wants to spend more time with his family, including watching his son Trevor embark on his University of Wisconsin basketball career next season.

He also wants to follow his youngest daughter, Ava.

SPASH won six consecutive Wisconsin Valley Conference Championships, seven regional crowns and three sectional titles.

The first two state championships he was able to share with Trevor, who was a junior and senior on those 2015 and 2016 teams.

“We want to thank Coach Anderson for not only his hard work and dedication to our school and boys basketball program, but also for the manner in which he and his teams represented SPASH," said Michael Blair, SPASH director of athletics and activities.

"Coach Anderson is the epitome of class and everything that is right with high school sports. We will miss him dearly as the leader of our boys basketball program and are thankful that he will remain an integral member of our teaching faculty.”

SPASH boys basketball coach Scott Anderson announced Tuesday he is stepping down after nine seasons and six consecutive Wisconsin Valley Conference championships.

Anderson, 51, left the door open for a possible return to coaching down the road.

For now he's content with the decision he made to take some time away.

"As you can imagine, it's been difficult . Basketball is what I've known and loved my whole life," Anderson said. "I’ll be forever grateful for time had at SPASH. There are too many wonderful experiences to talk about them all. It's been a wonderful ride.

"This is bittersweet. I feel like I’m young enough that if I miss it too much I feel I can always come back into coaching. If it doesn’t happen, I’m OK with that, too. I don’t know what will happen in the future. Maybe another opportunity will happen."

Blair indicated SPASH will begin its search for the next head boys basketball coach immediately.