Matt Cognetti was named the new head coach of the Scranton High School boys basketball program on Monday night, succeeding Tony Battaglia, who announced a sabbatical after 27 seasons of service. The appointment comes at a moment when the program is poised to blend continuity with fresh perspective.
A Legacy to Build Upon
Tony Battaglia departs after guiding Scranton to seven Lackawanna League Division I championships, five consecutive District 2 Class 6A titles from 2021 through 2025, and eight Lynett Memorial Basketball Tournament crowns. His tenure reshaped the school’s identity and set a high bar for future coaches.
Cognetti arrives with a résumé that includes stints as an assistant at Northeast Intermediate School, head coach of the boys’ freshman team, and several years leading the junior varsity squad under Battaglia’s mentorship. He has spoken repeatedly about a development‑first philosophy, emphasizing preparation for varsity competition and steady skill growth.
The past season ended with a 7‑16 record, marking the first missed District 2 Class 6A championship in five years after a quarterfinal loss to Hazleton Area. Yet the team still captured a summer elite postseason title at the Riverfront Sports Complex, defeating Holy Cross in the final and showcasing the talent that remains in the pipeline.
Cognetti’s vision centers on a seamless transition that honors Battaglia’s achievements while instilling a culture of continuous improvement. He plans to lean on the experience of returning players, refine offensive schemes, and expand community outreach to sustain the program’s momentum.
His appointment also places him among a wave of new leadership in the Lackawanna League. Alongside Cognetti, Christian Sunseri at North Pocono, Errol Mannick at Mountain View, and Tyler Watters at Lakeland are also beginning fresh chapters, signaling a period of transition across the league.