The loss has been impactive, to say the least.

Scott Murphy’s passing has left a void in the Marian community, for sure; not the least of which was the basketball program he headed. You don’t replace a man like Murphy, who loved his school deeply — his players, the students, and the fans.

Murphy’s passing was stunning. Now the Colts need to move on, and they have turned to a high-caliber coach who demands a lot and has had huge success on the hardwoods.

In the girls’ arena, no less.

Paul Brutto, who has won state championships along with Schuylkill League and District 11 crowns, steps in to coach an eager group looking to succeed under his guidance.

“It’s a tough transition, and time heals all wounds,” Brutto mused. “To some degree (the players) have been able to put that behind them. But the first game, I’m sure, his memory will be there.”

Right now, Brutto is preparing for his first-ever head coaching job on the boys’ side. A strict disciplinarian, he demands defense first and won’t settle for the mental mistakes that surface throughout a season.

“It’s like whenever you get a new coach, you do things differently than the last coach. It’s part of it… the kids are doing pretty well… this is the sixth day, and they’ve picked up things pretty well.”

Doing things differently translates into defending. Brutto’s past teams — even on the girls’ side — have always been defensive-minded. That won’t change.

“Boys are more athletic, and the game is (more) fast-paced,” he said. “They’re more freewheeling than I was used to coaching girls… girls we ran a lot more sets, trying to get kids open for shots. Generally speaking, boys are more able to create more shots.”

Brutto admits that it’s more difficult for him; his reins are not as tight as they once were.

He said he is trying to blend two things: technique with intensity.

“You can have all the technique (skill), but if you don’t have the intensity and the passion (on defense), then your closeouts are bad, your feet are wrong and all that kind of jazz,” he stressed. “Yes, our defense will be man primarily; if it is zone it won’t be your typical 2-3 CYO zone.”

Marian returns a fistful of veterans, including top scorer Rocco Griguoli, the sturdy 6-4 inside presence who brings his 11 points per game average back to the fold. A three-sport athlete, Griguoli’s strength will give the Colts a true post-anchor.

The team also returns a pair of slick, smooth guards in the De La Cruz brothers. Jacob and Justin return for their final season in blue and gold. Jacob averaged 9.6 ppg, Justin 7.74. Keep an eye on sophomore Greg Tirpak, another three-sport standout, who at 6-3 can complement Griguoli off the glass. Last winter, Tirpak averaged 7.12 ppg and came on strong late in the year.

Brutto is familiar with the group after serving as an assistant the past four seasons. He likes the way Jake Tom (3.56 ppg) adds quickness and defensive pressure, and junior Yaniel Nunez (5.96 ppg) should also make an impact. Seniors Nick Shigo and Damian Rodino, along with junior James Cannon, all earned letters and will contribute. Cannon brings size at 6-3, while Rodino provides interior help.

“Here’s what we’re going to try and do: run and keep possession of the basketball… not run and throw it in the stands,” Brutto quipped with a mix of humor and brutal honesty.

Last season, Marian finished 13-12 and 7-7 in Schuylkill League Division 2. The Colts lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Linville Hill Christian, who went on to win the PIAA Class 2A state championship.

Brutto wants to see his team control the pace.

“What can we set the speedometer at? What speed we can play at and take care of the ball,” he explained.

Brutto, like his team, isn’t quite sure what that number is yet.

“Things change when the lights go on,” he continued. “The nice thing, we’ve got a pretty experienced group. They’ve been pretty receptive to it and time will tell.”

Indeed, when the lights go on this week, the Marian boys team will have heavy hearts. Murphy’s loss will linger for those whose lives he touched during his tenure at Marian Catholic.

And Brutto knows Murphy’s presence will remain — not for just one night, but many nights to come.