Jeff Lisath: A Trojan Returns to Portsmouth

Article presented by Scioto Valley Dumpsters …

After 27 seasons as a head coach, Jeff Lisath has been selected to lead the Portsmouth Boys Basketball Program. Lisath confirmed to Litter Media Wednesday that he had accepted the position.

Lisath fills the vacancy created by the departure of Eugene Collins following 13 years in the position.

A 1,000 point scorer and a two-time All-Ohioan in high school, Lisath was a member of the Trojans 1978 Class AA State Championship team. He was also on the coaching staff when Portsmouth claimed the Division II State Title in 1988.

Following a playing career at Miami University, Lisath stepped into coaching. He leaves the Dayton Northridge basketball program, a position he held for 10 years. The move came after a transfer as a Warden in the Ohio State Corrections Department. Prior to coaching the Polar Bears, Lisath led Piketon to a Final Four appearance in 2009. He also led the Chillicothe Girls and Unioto Boys Basketball Programs. During that time he has compiled 400 wins as a head coach.

In addition to his coaching duties at Northridge, Lisath recently served as Assistant Superintendent for the District. During last month’s Boys Basketball State Championships, he received the 2023 OHSAA Coaches Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award for the sport.

Even while residing in a different city, Lisath has held camps in Portsmouth through Jeff Lisath Basketball Ministries. He’s also written faith based books about his playing and coaching career.