Leuzinger Coach Quits for New Job

Phil Sherman has resigned as Leuzinger High’s basketball coach to take a job as basketball coach and athletic director at Ribet Academy of La Canada, the reigning State Division V champion.

Sherman coached Leuzinger for five seasons, guiding the Olympians to four Southern Section playoff berths and the Pioneer League title in 1988, when he was named The Times’ South Bay Coach of the Year. Leuzinger finished third in the Bay League the past three seasons.

“It was time to move on,” Sherman said. “Athletic director is something I want to do. I want to get a degree in administration and become an athletic administrator, so the time was right.”

Sherman said his decision to leave Leuzinger has nothing to do with the racial tension and student violence that have plagued the Lawndale school in recent months.

“I didn’t want people to think I was leaving Leuzinger because of the problems they’ve had,” he said. “I really like the kids, and I get along with most of the people in the administration and most of the teachers.

Sherman replaces Mike Miller as Ribet Academy’s basketball coach. Miller, who resigned after last season, guided the Fighting Frogs to the past two CIF Small Schools Division titles and its first state title in March.