Iona Prep Taps Longtime Rival To Lead Varsity Basketball Team

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Iona University trading an NCAA legend for a rising star in collage basketball made headlines in every corner, but Iona Prep's move to recruit a longtime rival might be even bigger news in the world of high school hoops.

Iona Preparatory School officials are counting on Timothy Philp's third stint in the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) to be a charm for their newly named varsity basketball head coach.

Philip has a 311-161 lifetime record in the league as a coach for Archbishop Stepinac and Cardinal Hayes. His winning percentage is an impressive .659 over nearly decades coaching at the varsity level. The school is counting on the Yonkers native to bring his trademark defense to the William J. Tully Gymnasium.

Philp walks in the door with an impressive list of accomplishments under his belt, including two state championships, three Archdiocesan titles and six league-leading teams. He was a CHSAA Coach of the Year for Class A in 2010, along with the Journal News Westchester County Coach of the Year, and for Class AA in 2013, when he was also the New York Daily News Manhattan/Westchester Coach of the Year.

School officials said they were impressed with Philip's perspective that comes from years spent coaching in "in one of the best Catholic high school leagues in the country."

"There are highs and lows during the season, and it is important for the team and coaches to be patient, continue to work hard and continue to trust one another," Philp said. "In the CHSAA, you are surrounded by great coaches, players and teams every single game."

The Gaels' new head coach literally grew up in the CHSAA, first as a player for rival Stepinac, then as a CYO coach for Christ the King Elementary. He later returned to his alma mater to coach freshman, and then varsity basketball.

Philip described the Iona Prep opening as "an unbelievable opportunity that I could not pass up."

"Iona Prep has a historically excellent program with a great winning tradition," Philp said. "Year after year, they routinely send more kids than the national average to play at the collegiate level, and even the NBA [Matt Ryan ‘15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Ty Jerome ‘16 of the Golden State Warriors]."

Coming off the greatest sports year in the school’s century-old existence, Athletic Director Ryan Mahoney believes Philp will continue to add to the Maroon & Gold’s rich legacy. With seven varsity team titles alone in 2021-2022, including Catholic state titles in football and lacrosse, the Gaels look to defend their Tom Whelan LoHud Sports Private School of the Year title for a third time. Following the winter season, Iona Prep already has individual and team state champions in track and field and wrestling.

Iona Prep Athletic Director Ryan Mahoney said it wasn't just Philp's prowess on the court that caught the school's attention.

"Our athletic success has always been rooted in academic excellence; Iona Prep produces scholar-athletes, not just student-athletes," Mahoney said. "Tim’s success in the CHSAA has been built upon that, and he understands better than anyone that a passion to compete must be channeled into accountability, commitment and responsibility to self, school and spirituality."

The athletic director said he is just happy to have Philips on the right side of the court.

"We’ve watched Tim with appreciation from afar as a coach and competitor," the athletic director said. "Now, we’re excited to see what he can do as the captain of our basketball program.

Philp said he is excited to meet with his players. He explained that he wants them to understand the symbiotic nature of coaching, and expects them to put in the time and effort required – same as him – if they want to become a great team.

"The most rewarding aspect of coaching is getting to watch your players improve both individually and as a team," Philp said. "Winning doesn’t hurt, either."