Playing under 3rd head coach has helped make Nolan Donnelly a more complete player, leader at Sewickley Academy

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, January 12, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Nolan Donnelly has had an unconventional basketball career at Sewickley Academy as a four-year starter.

The 6-foot-4 senior forward has had three different head coaches in charge of the program since his freshman season. Donnelly was coached by Win Palmer for two years, followed by Jim Dudas last season and currently is playing under the guidance of first-year coach Mike Iuzzolino.

“I think the only way to describe it is special,” Donnelly said. “I have played a lot of different styles of basketball under each coach with varying success each season. I’m very blessed to learn from all three coaches.

“On top of all the court knowledge shared with me to shape the player I am today, each coach taught me something special. Coach Palmer guided me to find what I believe in, coach Dudas taught me how to be a man, and coach Iuzzolino is showing me how to be a leader. I cannot express enough how lucky I am to have the support of all three. We all miss coach Palmer here and I often chat with coach Dudas. With that being said, coach Iuzzolino is doing great things for the program and will continue building boys basketball back into a championship program.”

Donnelly has made a commendable first impression on Iuzzolino, who played hoops professionally with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA followed by stints in Italy and Spain.

“Nolan is a mature kid,” Iuzzolino said. “He has represented his family, Sewickley Academy, and our program in such an incredible, positive way. He has been a role model for many younger players and students in the school.

“He is a tremendous young man who has a bright future in whatever he chooses to do in his life.”

Donnelly, one of three seniors on this year’s team, helped lead Sewickley to eight consecutive victories and an 8-1 record Jan. 7 following the Panthers’ 70-23 victory over Propel Braddock Hills.

Rob Southall, a freshman forward, paced Sewickley with 19 points; Adam Ikamba, a sophomore forward, added 13.

Sewickley improved to 4-0 in Section 2-2A ahead of Northgate, Brentwood and Eden Christian Academy. Winchester Thurston, Leechburg and Propel Braddock Hills rounded out the standings.

“I am extremely impressed by what our team has been able to accomplish,” Donnelly said. “Our only loss against Nazareth prep was a nail-bitter, and several key players were facing injury or sickness. Our large freshman class has really impressed me with their work ethic. You can tell they love the game and strive to be better every day.

“Our team has set some expeditions in stone from the first day we stepped in the gym together. We want to win the WPIAL and have a great run at states — nothing short of that. We use these goals as a drive during practice so we can reach our goals.”

Donnelly is a leading scorer and rebounder for the Panthers, averaging 8 ppg and 6.2 rpg. He’s not afraid to mix it up on the boards with opponents.

“Nolan has been playing fantastic recently,” Iuzzolino said. “He has stayed within his role and is playing tough, good, hard-nosed basketball. This is exactly what you would expect from a senior who has played in a lot of varsity games.

“He understands the game and he picks up on changes within the game. He has a passion for competition. We want him to continue to be a leader, and continue to make simple, solid basketball plays.”

Donnelly also competed in golf at Sewickley and will switch to baseball during the spring season.

He hopes to become a Volunteer at the next level.

“I will be studying either golf course management or turf and grass management in the fall, hopefully at the University of Tennessee,” he said. “I cannot decide if I will continue playing basketball in college, but I have multiple opportunities to do so. If I decide to play, it will most likely be at Drew University in New Jersey.”

Drew University is located in Madison, N.J., and is a member of the NCAA Division III Landmark Conference.

Other conference schools are Catholic University, Scranton, Susquehanna, Mary Washington, Goucher College, Moravian College and the University of Connecticut at Morris.

Tags: Sewickley Academy