Submitted by University High School
University High School has named Justin Blanding head coach of the boys basketball program, beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Blanding replaces longtime coach Brandon Lafferman, who announced his retirement from coaching in March.
Since 2015, Blanding has served as head coach for the girls basketball program at University High School. Under Blanding’s leadership, the girls basketball team has been one of the winningest teams in University High School history.
Blanding’s 154-40 record over nine seasons with girls basketball includes five sectional championships, four conference championships, and three regional championships. Eight of Coach Blanding’s former players (plus four from the Class of 2023) have gone on to play collegiate basketball, for schools ranging from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (NAIA) to Hanover College (NCAA Division III), from University of Indianapolis (NCAA Division II) to New Jersey Institute of Technology (NCAA Division I). More than any win, though, what Blanding has built in University’s girls basketball program is a team culture that reflects the core values of the school and celebrates equally both parts of the student-athlete.
“I have enjoyed my time here as the girls basketball coach,” Blanding said. “I was blessed to take over the program nine years ago. Our teams over the years were able to accomplish a great deal and have a lot of success. And as coach, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing young ladies that worked extremely hard for me, our school, and our program.”
“I try to instill in my players that hard work is the key to everything,” he added. “To get what you want, you have to work for it, and nobody is going to give you anything. That has been the standard of our program, and I am positive it will remain that way with our next coach.”
Prior to leading the girls basketball program at University, Blanding served four years as an assistant boys basketball coach under coaches Lafferman and Paul Gianakos. Coach Blanding credits Lafferman for strong leadership of the boys basketball program and hopes to continue building on the success the team has experienced.
“In leading the boys program, my goal is to have much of the same success I had with the girls program,” Blanding said. “We will work extremely hard and compete every night. Coach Lafferman has left the program in a great place, and it is set up for continued success.”
Congratulations to Coach Justin Blanding on his new role with the Trailblazers.