St. Laurence Taps Insider As New Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach

BURBANK, IL -- Evergreen Park native Jim Sexton has been named new head varsity boys basketball coach at St. Laurence High School in Burbank. Sexton takes over for Jim Maley, who stepped down from the position to pursue another coaching and teaching opportunity.

Sexton becomes the tenth boys basketball coach in St. Laurence history. He served as assistant varsity coach and director of player development on the Viking basketball staff for the past two seasons. He has played a major role in the team’s recent resurgence. To go with his assistant duties, Sexton also has experience filling in as an interim head coach for the Vikings. In addition to his role with St. Laurence, Sexton also co-founded Beyond The Arc Academy, a basketball club in Evergreen Park that coaches and trains over 250 boys and girls basketball players grades 1-8.

Sexton expressed his gratitude to St. Laurence president Joe Martinez, principal Jim Muting and athletic director Tim Chandler for placing their faith in him.

“I’m privileged to have the opportunity to work with a great administration, group of coaches and, most importantly, group of student-athletes at St. Laurence,” Sexton said in a news release. “I would like to thank Coach Maley for putting the program in a positive place in which we can continue to build.”

Coach Sexton had a decorated playing career, as he played college basketball at Creighton University and was a member of the first-ever NCAA tournament team at UIC. In high school, he was a three-time All-Catholic League player and earned All-State honors his senior year.

Maley called leaving St, Laurence a bittersweet moment, saying he loved St. Laurence, his players, students and people he worked with at the school.

“While I'm excited for the next opportunity, I'm saddened to leave, however the program is in great hands,” Maley said. “Hiring Jimmy as an assistant was one of the best moves I've made. His passion, knowledge, and basketball pedigree will make him an excellent head coach. I truly believe that he, the returning players and coaching staff, will take another step forward and become a force in the Catholic League. While I'm no longer the coach, I will be a huge fan of him, the program and the school."

St. Laurence Athletic Director Tim Chandler said Sexton will be able to provide continuity for the program.

“Viking Basketball has come a long way in recent seasons, and we are excited for Coach Sexton to take us to the next level,” said St. Laurence Athletic Director Tim Chandler. “We thank Coach Maley for putting the team on the right track the past three seasons and wish him the best in the future.”

Current fifth through seventh grade boys can meet Coach Sexton for the first time at a free basketball clinic on Sunday, April 30 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Students can sign up at St Laurence clinics. For any questions about the clinic, please contact Director of Admissions Joe Spano at jspano@stlaurence.com.