A Fresh Coaching Vision
Saige Spece, a native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, has been appointed head coach of the Phelps School basketball program, taking over a team that finished as runner‑up in the PAISAA championship last season.
Growing up in a town where football dominated the sports landscape, Spece was drawn to basketball through the influence of his uncles, Keiran Conway and the late Dave Mullaney, both of whom left a mark on his development.
His playing career began at Pottsville Area High School before he moved on to Bloomsburg University, where he progressed from student manager to assistant and finally to a roster player, gaining a deep understanding of the program from multiple angles.
During five seasons at Bloomsburg, which included navigating the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Spece honed a coaching style that blends physicality, discipline, and a fast‑paced offensive approach.
In 2021 he succeeded Trey Morin, a veteran prep‑school coach, and inherited a roster anchored by returning standouts such as Caden Ivery, a Cornell commit, alongside new recruits Julien Price and Tim Patton Jr.
Philosophy and Expectations
Spece emphasizes a culture of hard work and structured play, aiming to preserve the program’s signature speed while adding a more robust defensive identity.
He credits his uncles, Mullaney, and John Sanow for shaping his tactical mindset, and he believes his prep‑school background equips him to guide the team toward future championships.