Erie Preparatory Academy 2025-2026 Basketball Leadership Lineup
- Cassie Enterline
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Erie Preparatory Academy’s basketball program enters the 2025–26 season with unmatched momentum, introducing Post Graduate, Prep, and PIAA Varsity squads designed to help student-athletes thrive both academically and on the court. Strategic expansion, historic milestones, and a powerhouse coaching staff signal Erie Prep’s rapid rise in the basketball community.
Erie Prep Debuts Three-Team Basketball Initiative
Erie Prep’s athletics division now fields three highly competitive basketball teams. The Post Graduate team is geared toward recent graduates seeking a bridge year of advanced competition before college. The new Prep team caters to rising younger talent, emphasizing skills development. The PIAA Varsity squad brings school spirit to regional and state contests, rounding out a multi-faceted, holistic program.
General Manager David Briski
David (Dave) Briski is the engine behind Erie Prep Academy Basketball, blending strategic vision with years of high-level coaching success. A University of New Hampshire graduate, Briski started as a four-year basketball manager before making his mark at Caltech by setting program records and earning a Sports Illustrated feature. At SPIRE Academy, he turned the team into a top-10 national contender, sent six players to NCAA D1—including future NBA pro Jalen Pickett—and broke new ground with a National Prep Championship run. Leading International Sports Academy, he produced more than 50 NCAA athletes in just four years. His expertise includes running NBA pre-draft workouts and now, at Erie Prep, Briski drives recruitment and development—making the Academy a launchpad for ambitious student-athletes.
Briski’s commitment to helping athletes reach unprecedented heights is exemplified by his role in Junxi Yang’s historic NCAA Division I offer. As General Manager, Briski worked closely with Junxi and Erie Prep’s coaching staff, leveraging his vast recruiting experience and network to provide support and exposure. This partnership not only spotlighted Junxi’s talent but also showcased Erie Prep’s ability to nurture and propel international student-athletes to the top collegiate level.
Head Coaches: Vision and Championship Pedigree
Benjamin Daniels, Head Coach of the Post Graduate team, offers a global perspective, with 13 years of coaching across the UK and US. Daniels holds USA Gold Certification and earned an MS in Coaching Education from Ohio University, where he was honored as an Outstanding Student. He’s known for innovative development, recruitment prowess, and playing a central role in securing the first NCAA Division I offer for a Chinese-born guard, Junxi Yang.
Andre Starks, Head Coach for Prep, delivers an elite pedigree. Starks is returning for his second year at Erie Prep. He was instrumental in Cobleskill’s division title and further refined his techniques under legendary USA Basketball Coach Scott Fitch—essential assets for guiding Erie Prep’s youngest stars.
Phil Gernovich wears multiple hats as the founder and principal of Erie Preparatory Academy. With decades of varsity coaching across Western Pennsylvania—including Erie First Christian Academy (where he also served as principal), South Hills Christian Academy (basketball and soccer, also as principal), Slippery Rock (girls’ basketball), and Pittsburgh Perry High School—Gernovich’s experience anchors the varsity squad in tradition and innovation.
Assistant Coaches: Diverse Experience and Expertise
Erie Prep's assistant coaching lineup represents a broad range of athletic and academic backgrounds, listed alphabetically:
Christian Easton: A recent graduate of Tiffin University, Easton holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MBA in Sports Management. He played football at Hocking College and Tiffin University, and served as a Graduate Assistant for both Tiffin’s women’s (2023) and men’s (2024) basketball teams.
Iziah Pigott: Transformed Cobleskill’s fortunes and became Adam Street Academy’s all-time top scorer; NAC West division champion; earned All-Conference acclaim and shined as a defensive standout at SUNY Cobleskill.
David Stinson: A third-year assistant coach and All-MCCC collegiate selection, Stinson brings experience from Southwestern Christian University and Trinity Christian College.
Jy’Kevious Searcy: Won five consecutive GHSA region titles, starred at William Penn/Fredonia State, gained professional European and ABA semi-pro experience, and led youth camps, highlighted by a 15 PPG GHSA All-Region campaign.
Arlo Washington: Charlotte native; helped Keiser to a 44-17 combined record, two NAIA tournament runs, back-to-back Sun Conference Developmental Championships, and holds advanced degrees from North Carolina A&T and Keiser University.
The Path Forward
Erie Preparatory Academy’s basketball structure—backed by expert coaches and landmark player achievements—is transforming the region into a magnet for aspiring athletes and college recruiters. With deep player development resources and a culture of excellence, Erie Prep’s 2025–26 season sets the stage for continued success and innovation.
Erie Preparatory Academy is officially opening recruitment for its basketball program for the 2026–2027 academic year. Driven by the success and growth of its Prep, Post Graduate, and PIAA Varsity teams, the academy is seeking driven student-athletes from around the world who aspire to reach new heights—on the court and in the classroom.
Recruitment Opening for 2026–2027
Erie Prep delivers a nationally recognized basketball experience with elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and unmatched support for college placement. The program’s proven pathway includes skill development, competitive schedules, and academic guidance tailored for athletes preparing for NCAA, NAIA, and international college basketball. Both the Prep and Post Graduate teams are now accepting applications and inquiries for the upcoming season.
Student-athletes will benefit from:
Exposure to college coaches and recruiters
Professional training facilities and coaching staff
A challenging academic environment emphasizing college readiness
A high-profile competitive schedule featuring local, regional, and national opponents
Interested families and student-athletes are encouraged to apply early, as roster spots are already filling quickly. Erie Prep welcomes applications from domestic and international students and offers a supportive boarding and academic environment for those relocating to Erie, PA.
To begin the application process or learn more about the programs, visit the Erie Preparatory Academy website for program details.