For over three decades, Coach Gregg Downer, a former player at Penncrest High School in Media, has steered Lower Merion High School boys’ basketball team to victory, writes Michael Bradley for the Main Line Today.

During his 34 seasons with the team, Downer won 696 games and captured three state titles. The first came in 1996, when Kobe Bryant dominated both the court and his opponents. The following two titles came in 2006 and 2013. The Aces have also captured 17 Central League championships in the past 34 years.

After joining the school, it took Downer some time to gather momentum before the wins started coming.

“Then I met a guy named Kobe Bryant,” he said.

During his first year, the Aces won 26 games reaching their first district final in almost two decades. The next year, they won the state crown.

“He taught us how to work hard,” said Downer. “One decision we made was, ‘Let’s not lower the bar. Let’s keep the standards high and make a 20-win season the norm.’”

The team has adhered to that winning philosophy ever since.

Downer, meanwhile, has no plans on retiring anytime soon.

“I’ve been lucky enough to find my passion,” he said.

Read more about Lower Merion High School’s Coach Gregg Downer in the Main Line Today.