Lower Merion Basketball has been named the “Best Boys Basketball Program” in the Philadelphia region in the September 2009 “Best of Philly Schools” issue of Philadelphia Magazine. The article highlights 40 area public and private high school programs – from theatrical troupes to sports teams to student newspapers – that are “the best at what they do.” This is the first time the magazine has published a “Best of” list specific to school programs, though they have ranked area high schools for the past decade. Lower Merion High School once again notched a top ranking and is the only school to be ranked among the top three schools in every report.
 
The following is an excerpt from the Philadelphia Magazine report:
 
“First they had Kobe. Then they had the Dawg Pound, a raucous student cheering section. Now they have traveling tailgate parties, a highly trafficked website (aceshoops.com), workouts with Bryant and an exclusive line of Nike sneaks. Add a record of more winning seasons and state titles than any other program in the state, and you’ll understand why L.M. is the Duke of high schools.”
 
Said Coach Gregg Downer, “This is a unique honor, and while we appreciate the kudos, we recognize that there are plenty of very deserving programs in the Philadelphia area. We try our best to provide a positive, rewarding experience for our kids.”
 
The Aces were also highlighted last winter as one of Pennsylvania’s top programs in a national feature on maxpreps.com and the team has been featured in a variety of local, regional and national publications over the years.
 
Lower Merion Basketball boasts a proud and storied past and is among the most successful programs in Pennsylvania history. Since 1921, Lower Merion teams have amassed more than 1400 wins and a .637 winning percentage. In that span, the Aces have had 67 winning seasons and have earned 32 league titles, 41 District 1 playoff appearances, 15 District 1 titles, 20 District 1 Final Four appearances, 25 State Playoff bids, 12 State Final Fours and six PIAA State Titles (the most of any AAAA program in Pennsylvania).