Scanlon stepping down as Raytown basketball coach

Mark Scanlon, the longtime Raytown boys basketball coach who last season achieved his 500th career win, has retired from his Blue Jay perch and will continue at a new school district.

Scanlon announced his departure from Raytown as coach and teacher in late June, deciding it was time to go after 22 years. Around the same time, Scanlon, 53, said he had found a new coaching job.

“It’s in the works,” Scanlon said Sunday afternoon, but he declined to reveal his next destination. “I just felt like it was time for a change.”

Scanlon has coached for 30 years, with the majority coming at Raytown. He helped the Blue Jays become a perennial power in the Suburban Conference. Under his watch, Raytown has produced seven all-state players, including its most famous alumnus, current NBA player Tyronn Lue.

Scanlon twice led teams to 27-1 records — during Lue’s senior season in 1995 and when Raytown dominated the 2008 season at the top of the state rankings.

According to Scanlon’s count, he has won 511 career games.

submitted by CANDACE BUCKNER - 2009-07-12 22:50:02

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