Gregg Downer calls Lower Merion’s postseason run ‘the most satisfying journey’ of coaching career

Gregg Downer was damp from being doused by his team celebrating Lower Merion’s third District 1 Class 6A championship in four years.

In November, the Aces were not expected to be here. Lower Merion was not supposed to win the Central League, let alone capture one of the state’s toughest districts. But there he was again, doing what Downer has done for the previous 33 years — winning.

Only this season comes with a caveat: The Aces are 27-1 and not one college coach has inquired about a player on the team.

The Aces continue to prove their talent is enough after a 57-49 victory over Garnet Valley in the district final on Saturday, which marked Downer’s fourth at the helm. He guided the Aces to District 1 titles in 1996 (the late Kobe Bryant’s senior year), 2021, 2022, and now 2024. He secured three PIAA state titles in 1996, 2006, and 2013.

But this season could be Downer’s greatest coaching job yet.

He won’t take credit for anything.

At this stage, his success speaks loudly enough.

What makes this team unique is that there aren’t supposed college-level recruits and all that the Aces have done is win. It is a testament to them, and a testament to the job Downer has done.

“Gregg is a relentless competitor who really believes in what we do,” said Aces assistant coach Kevin Grugan, who’s been with the program for 17 years. “I think one thing that really makes him a great coach is [that] he’s willing to see what we bring back every year and be different.

“He knows how to build a culture every season. He does an amazing job with that. Gregg does not do this to get credit. But in terms of a coaching job, Gregg has been masterful. He is able to make a lot of different styles work. … This year in particular, Gregg did a great job explaining to these guys what we can do to win big games.”

The Aces lost two prolific scorers last season in Sam Wright and Sam Brown (Penn). John Mobley was the team’s only returning starter, so Downer’s first message to the new group this season was to look past any doubters.

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“Coach Downer already has his championships, and he is a legend, and as long as we keep going on, we can become legends. He has made me so much better,” said Aces senior forward Jayden Robinson. “Coach Downer made me adjust to playing within a team and made my three-point shot much better.”

Senior Adam Herrenkohl, who earned All-Central League honors, said Downer has a unique way of doing things. He can be vocal and has the qualities of a mad scientist.

“You just have this faith that you know Coach Downer is going to have an answer, and there is no one more comfortable in a pressure spot than him,” Herrenkohl said. “He’s seen it all. I believe we have the best assistant coaches in the state, and one of the best head coaches in the country. He’s made me and us so much better. When he cut me [as a sophomore], he forced me to become better. You either grow or it doesn’t work.

“There’s a message to his madness.”

As Downer spoke about his team’s success, he made an important point, with a fatherly glare in his eyes and a quivering lower lip displaying the emotional investment he has in this team.

“This team has been such a joy to coach. I love winning big games and coaching kids on this team. That’s what keeps me going. I have many, many great assistant coaches. I can’t take all the credit. We have a great staff. … People thought we would be 14-10. Look at what this team has done. That’s what I take satisfaction with.”

Downer said winning the district championship meant a lot. It fulfilled a part of a journey that is ongoing as the Aces will take on Cedar Crest in the first round of the state playoffs on Saturday.

“This could be the most satisfying journey of my career,” Downer said. “I’m so proud of this group. They are 27-1 and the only ones who thought that they could win a district championship were the 15 players on this team. No one saw this coming.”

This story was produced as part of a partnership between The Inquirer and City of Basketball Love, a nonprofit news organization that covers high school and college basketball in the Philadelphia area while also helping mentor the next generation of sportswriters. This collaboration will help boost coverage of the city’s vibrant amateur basketball scene, from the high school ranks up through the Big 5 and beyond.