Lucas Grimsley was an integral component in the Sewickley Academy success story in boys basketball the last two years.
A 6-foot-5, 185-pound senior, Grimsley helped spark the Panthers to back-to-back undefeated section championships, two WPIAL Class 2A titles, one PIAA crown, one runner-up finish in the state and 24-6 and 30-1 overall records.
“Lucas has had a tremendous career both on and off the floor,” Sewickley coach Mike Iuzzolino said. “He has displayed incredible leadership qualities through both his communication skills and work ethic. It was truly an honor to coach Lucas; he made everyone around him better.”
The sharpshooting Grimsley, a 1,000-point career scorer, is preparing for the next chapter in his life — college basketball.
Grimsley signed a letter of intent May 14 to continue his hoops career at Kenyon College, a private liberal arts institution located in Gambier, Ohio, and a member of the NCAA Division III North Coast Athletic Conference.
“I chose Kenyon because it felt like the right fit for me academically, athletically and personally,” Grimsley said. “I built a great relationship with the coaching staff during the recruiting process, and I could really see myself being part of the culture there. I also liked the balance between strong academics and competitive basketball.
“I learned a lot about the school and program throughout my recruiting. The basketball program is very competitive, and player development stood out to me right away. I also liked how connected the campus community felt and how much support students seem to get academically.”
Grimsley, 18, is interested in business and wealth management and plans to major in finance in college.
“My expectations for my freshman year are to adjust to the college level, improve every day and do whatever I can to help the team,” Grimsley said. “I know there will be a learning curve, but I’m excited for the challenge. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and growing as a student.”
Sewickley Academy’s boys basketball team left no doubt about who the best Class 2A team in the state was this season. Grimsley was a versatile, athletic guard/forward for the Panthers who won both the district and state titles in impressive fashion.
“We are so happy that Lucas can continue his playing career while working towards his degree,” Iuzzolino said. “I have spoken with Lucas about what an incredible blessing and opportunity it is to continue to play basketball in college. Very few high school basketball players get to continue their careers at the next level, and he now gets that chance.
“I know coach (Steve) Phillips at Kenyon is very excited to have Lucas as part of their program. He worked very hard recruiting him all season long.”
Sewickley won 21 games in a row in 2025-26 and reeled off nine consecutive postseason victories.
Grimsley connected on 46.8% of his shots this season, which included 60% of his 2-point field goals and 41.4% of his 3-point field goals. He sank 35 of 43 free throws (81.4%), dished out 57 assists, grabbed 71 rebounds, deflected 27 shots and had 31 steals.
“I’m mainly just thankful for everybody who helped me get to this point,” Grimsley said. “My family, coaches, teammates, teachers and friends all played a big role in my journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Grimsley was presented with the Coaches Award following the 2025-26 season. He ended his high school career with 1,100 points in the gym and a 3.7 GPA in the classroom.
The multi-talented student-athlete served as treasurer of the Stocks Club and Black Student Union and is an assistant coach of Urban Impact, an AAU seventh-grade basketball team.
Grimsley has three siblings, Eli, Leland and Vivian. His twin brothers, Eli and Leyland, also play basketball.
Originally a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference, Kenyon is a founding member of the NCAC, the first conference in the country devoted to giving equal emphasis to men’s and women’s sports.
“I don’t have any expectations for Lucas except carry what you learned here at Sewickley Academy to Kenyon.” Iuzzolino said, “meaning show up on time, bring energy and enthusiasm every day to everything you do, take some risk, step out into the unknown and enjoy the process.
“At the end of the day, make Kenyon a better place than when you got there just like you did Sewickley Academy.”
The NCAC consists of Denison, DePauw, John Carroll, Kenyon, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan, Wabash College, Wittenberg and The College of Wooster.