photo by: Nick Krug

Baker head coach Sean Dooley gets at his defense during the second half on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013 at the Coffin Sports Complex.

Lawrence High School’s next basketball coach won’t have to go far to settle in.

Sean Dooley, the longtime men’s basketball coach at Baker University, will lead Lawrence’s boys basketball program after the hiring was approved by the USD 497 school board on Monday.

“Sean Dooley brings a wealth of experience to Lawrence High School,” Lawrence interim principal Mike Gillman said in a statement. “His passion for guiding young people and his commitment to our community will positively impact our students right away. We are excited to see his high energy both in the classroom and on the basketball court.”

Dooley spent 14 years as the head coach of the Baker men’s basketball team, accruing the third-most wins in school history in that time. The Wildcats reached the NAIA three times, all in the last four years. Two years ago, Dooley led the Wildcats to the NAIA Round of 16.

When it comes to taking over Lawrence, Dooley stated in a press release that the move was about “investing in the community that has meant so much to our family, building meaningful relationships and having the chance to teach, coach and impact the lives of young people.”

The position became available after former coach Nick Wood stepped down to become the school’s athletic director. Wood stated in a press release that Dooley’s “record of building championship caliber programs, developing student athletes and leading with integrity made him an outstanding fit for LHS.”

Dooley will be joined by his son, Joey, who will be a junior this upcoming season. Lawrence’s season came to an end in the substate semifinal in a 92-50 loss to No. 3 Mill Valley. The Lions will return a young roster this year that has built up its playing experience in the Sunflower League over the last two seasons.