Stroudsburg High School hires new baseball and basketball coaches
Batter's up: the Mountaineers baseball team has a new coach.
The Stroudsburg Area School District Department of Athletics and Activities announced the hiring of Alex Hiscott as the head baseball coach at the last SASD Board of School Directors meeting.
Hiscott replaces baseball coach Phil Stokes, who submitted his letter of resignation in June, citing that he and his wife, Beth, wanted to spend more time with their children and grandchildren who live out of state.
Stokes, who held the position for 21 seasons, was instrumental in the Mountie's success including six MVC championships, five EPC North Division championships (including a share of the EPC North title in 2022) and had worked with several Stroudsburg athletes drafted to the MLB.
Hiscott is a familiar face at Stroudsburg High School since 1999.
He has worked for 13 seasons as the junior varsity head coach, along with the Kemp Post American Legion baseball team for 15 years, along with assisting with the Stroudsburg Little League and Baseball U Pennsylvania.
Hiscott, a graduate of Bucknell University, also teaches social studies at Stroudsburg Junior High School.
"Coach Hiscott is a respected baseball figure in our area and will run the program with integrity, respect, and continue to be a strong representative in our community," Stroudsburg High School athletic and activities director Sean Richmond said in a release.
"While we are sad to see a successful coach step aside, we are excited for the possibilities this offers our program. With strong numbers in the program, a middle school team, ample travel baseball opportunities in the Poconos, and a strong relationship with the Stroudsburg Little League, the foundation for continued success in the Stroudsburg baseball program is very strong."
Hiscott's first game as coach is on March 23 when the Mountaineers play against Pocono Mountain East.
College football: East Stroudsburg University Warrior Madness in memory of Ryan Smith set for Oct. 14
From star player hired as boys basketball coach
In other Mounties news, the athletic department hired Tarik El-Bassiouni as the new varsity boys basketball coach.
El-Bassiouni, an alumni of the school (class of '98) was a star basketball player under coach Shawn Thornton where he became the Mounties' third all-time leading scorer with 1402 career points. He played on four consecutive league championship teams (the team won the District XI in 1996 and advanced to the PIAA Elite 8).
He also became the high school's first state champions in boys tennis.
El-Bassiouni continued his studies at University of Miami, where he played on the Canes basketball team while playing tennis (he is one of a few college athletes who has played the NCAA Sweet 16 in both basketball and tennis).
His first game with the basketball team will be when the Mountaineers face off with Wallenpaupack Area High School on Dec. 2.
"We are excited to see one of our most distinguished alumni return home to lead our athletes in a new direction. We know the standard of excellence that will be set by coach El-Bassiouni will benefit our student athletes as they are taught a winning mentality, high standard of character, and irreplaceable life," Richmond said.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Stroudsburg PA High School hires new baseball and basketball coaches
