Sewickley Academy’s boys basketball team is, simply stated, one of the best.
Thanks to a roster inundated with talent and with former NBA player Mike Iuzzolino as head coach, the Panthers wrapped up the first month of the season with an 8-0 record.
Sewickley also was 3-0 in Section 2-2A.
The Panthers appear to be one of the top teams in Western Pennsylvania regardless of classification.
They pulverized most opponents last month, winning by an average score of 72-32. Take away their closest game, a 59-53 victory Dec. 22 against Class 6A opponent Pine-Richland in the Pittsburgh Holiday Classic at PPG Paints Arena, and the winning margin increased to 75-29.
“We are really excited,” Iuzzolino said. “The expectation for this year’s team is to improve and get better every day — just focus on one day at a time and make the most of that opportunity.
“We have been trying to play at a faster pace on offense.”
Sewickley Academy hasn’t lost a section game in two years; the Panthers racked up a 12-0 record in Section 2-2A last season.
Sewickley stormed through its league schedule in 2024-25. All 12 wins were by double digits; the average score was 62-34.
The Panthers advanced to the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA championship game, finishing 24-6 overall. The team lost a 55-54 heartbreaker to Linville Hill Christian in the PIAA title game March 28 at Hershey’s Giant Center.
It was the first time Sewickley had qualified for the state finals since 2017.
With 6-foot-8 twin towers Mamadou Kane and junior Adam Ikamba and senior forward Amare Spencer in the frontcourt, complemented by 6-4 senior swingman Lucas Grimsley and senior point guard Caiden Battles, the Sewickley hoopsters made their presence felt from the season’s opening tip.
Sewickley was ranked No. 1 in 2A in the Trib HSSN boys basketball preseason rankings and hasn’t moved from that lofty status.
Led by Kane, the Class 2A preseason player of the year, and Ikamba, Sewickley can be intimidating at times near the basket. Kane, who is a sophomore, averaged 15.9 ppg last season.
“Mamadou and Adam continue to improve and gain a better understanding of the game,” Iuzzolino said.
“Adam never played organized basketball before he came to Sewickley, so there is a huge learning curve for him. But he continues to progress.”
Grimsley was named second-team all-state in Class 2A last season.
“Lucas has good size, and I expect leadership from him and to be consistent on both ends of the floor,” Iuzzolino said.
“Lucas is a very good 3-point shooter but also has the ability to attack and finish at the rim,” Iuzzolino added.
“Lucas has the ability to get hot quickly. When he is making 3s, he becomes difficult to guard, and it opens up so many other options for us.
“One thing about Lucas is he is very coachable and willing to listen and learn and put in the work.”
Justin Prunzik, a 6-foot forward, rounds out the team’s senior class; Ikamba is the lone junior.
Kane is one of eight sophomores on the squad along with backcourt players Drew Steals, Connor Tull, Chris Tull, Isaac Soumare and Carson D’Antonio and forwards Rob Southall and Ja’mere Guyton.
Two guards, Drake Miller and Eric Cracium, and forward Ibrahim Kante add to the athletic depth on the team as top freshmen.
Sewickley participated in the Holiday Bash at North Allegheny at the end of December and ran past Butler, 58-27.
Last season, the Panthers suited up the best defensive team in Western Pennsylvania thanks to a 38.5 ppg average. They scored at a 56.3 ppg clip on offense.
And they’ve only gained momentum in 2025-26.
Through 10 games, Sewickley was allowing just 28.4 ppg while averaging 70.1 ppg offensively.