Marian Catholic High School announced Friday the death of boys basketball head coach Scott Murphy, whose leadership and recent success left a lasting imprint on the program and the Schuylkill League.

Murphy guided the Colts to a District 11 championship this past season, capping a run that Marian called a highlight in a career that impacted “our basketball programs and school as a whole.”

“We extend our prayers to Wendy and Mason, and the entire Murphy and Marek families during this time,” the school said in a statement.

The news prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the league and the Marian community.

The Mahanoy Area School District remembered Murphy as “a great coach, but an even better man, husband, and father,” adding, “Our deepest condolences to Scott’s family, and anyone else who was lucky enough to know him.”

Minersville Area High School also expressed sympathy, saying, “We send condolences to our friends at Marian Catholic on the passing of head boys basketball coach, Scott Murphy.”

Panther Valley noted the competitive respect it had for Murphy, who coached against the Panthers for years.

“While we were rivals on the court, we always respected his dedication, leadership, and the positive impact he made on countless student-athletes over the years in the Schuylkill League,” Panther Valley said. “His impact will be remembered well beyond the scoreboard.”

Marian’s track and field program also honored Murphy, calling him “an inspiration to his players and the school community during his time as a coach,” and adding, “Rest easy and may perpetual light shine upon you.”

From the football program’s page, the message was simple and heartfelt: “Rest in peace, Murph. You will be missed.”

The Marian swim team also shared a message of prayer, posting, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

The Marian boys basketball program — past and present — posted a moving tribute to its leader, describing Murphy as “more than just a coach” and remembering him as a mentor, leader and friend who taught lessons that went far beyond the court.

“Your tough love pushed us to be our best, your encouragement lifted us on our hardest days, and your pride in us was felt in every game, every practice, every huddle,” the post read. “Coach, you will forever be part of this team… your voice in our heads, your lessons in our hearts, your spirit in every play we run. We’ll miss your wisdom, your laughter, and your presence more than words can say. Rest easy, Coach. We’ve got the next play from here.”

From Our Lady of Lourdes Regional, the message was one of solidarity and prayer: “Prayers for our friends from Marian Catholic! God bless Coach and his family!”

The Tamaqua Boys Basketball Boosters also shared their condolences, remembering Murphy both as a rival and as part of their own tradition.

“The Tamaqua Boys Basketball Boosters join the entire Schuylkill County basketball community in mourning the loss of Marian Boys Basketball Coach, and friend to many, Scott Murphy,” the group wrote. “As a proud alumnus who once wore the Tamaqua Area Boys Blue Raider Basketball uniform, Scott will always be remembered as part of our Blue Raider basketball family. Scott’s love for the game and his gift as a coach and mentor touched everyone he encountered. His compassion, commitment, and respect left a lasting impression on players far beyond his own teams. The Tamaqua Boys Basketball Boosters extend our deepest condolences to Scott’s family, his players, and all who were fortunate to know him. Keep smiling and rest easy, Coach!”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.