Brandon Sensor takes over Chartiers Valley boys basketball program

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 30, 2018 | 10:54 PM

Replacing a coaching legend is never easy.

But Brandon Sensor is ready to give it a try.

Sensor was selected as the next Chartiers Valley boys basketball at a school board meeting in August. He replaces Tim McConnell, who coached the Colts for 25 years and compiled a 552-146 record before taking over the girls program.

“Tim is a phenomenal coach,” Sensor said. “I am embracing the opportunity to be here. I want to do the best job I can with these guys right now. It is a new beginning.

“I am hoping to make the administration, parents and community proud.”

Sensor has migrated north after living in Florida for seven years. He made several coaching stops in the Sunshine State, most recently completing his first head-coaching position at Cape Coral. Sensor went 14-11 in his first season with the Seahawks before improving to 19-8 in his second year.

This past season he led Cape Coral to a 24-8 record and berth in the state semifinals.

While Florida is known as a hotbed of high school football, Sensor saw a noticeable increase in basketball competition during his time as coach.

“There was a lot of competition in Florida,” Sensor said. “It got especially good in Southwest Florida where I was. Kids are overall more athletic than they are up here. But I do think the kids up here have better basketball IQ and skill.”

While much of his coaching experience is in Florida, Sensor is a Western Pennsylvania native. Sensor went to East Allegheny where he played basketball. While he loved basketball, Sensor excelled on the gridiron and played fullback for Geneva in college.

“Basketball was always my passion,” Sensor said. “I have been gone awhile, so I am still getting to know the area again. I love the Pittsburgh community. People in Pittsburgh are different. They are more friendly and welcoming.”

While Sensor is still getting to know the players on the Chartiers Valley roster, he has an idea of the style of play he wants to see from the Colts. And it all starts with a stifling defense.

“I want to play strong, full-court man defense,” Sensor said. “I want our guys to be in passing lanes. We will play man-to-man defense, but we might throw in some zone. I want to take pride in our defense.”

The next couple of months will include open gyms and team-bonding experiences. Sensor said he has already been in the gym with some of the players and is excited with what he has seen.

The Colts did not have any seniors on last season’s roster. Senior Joe Pipilo (19.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game), junior Sean Banas (10.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg) and senior Tyler Shaw (8.8 ppg) are all set to return.

“I think we have some good talent coming back,” Sensor said. “I think we will compete with anyone we play. I hope I can get the most out of the team. That is always the goal of being a coach. You want the players to play the best that they are capable of.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Chartiers Valley