National honor recognizes Blossom among the top 10 high school boys basketball coaches in the country
St. Louis, MO (March 2, 2026)—Principia School is proud to announce that Jay Blossom, head coach of the Principia School Boys’ Basketball Team, has been included in Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Boys Basketball Coach of the Year Watch List. Names were announced Wednesday, February 25, by the Naismith organization on social media. Coach Blossom is one of only 10 high school boys basketball coaches nationwide selected for this prestigious honor.
The Watch List highlights the most exceptional leaders in the sport, including coaches whose programs consistently demonstrate excellence, integrity, and national competitiveness. Among this year’s candidates are coaches from some of the top high school basketball programs in the country. Last year’s winner, Andrew Moran of Miami Columbus, went on to join the University of Miami (FL) men’s basketball coaching staff.
“Coach Blossom’s selection comes as no surprise to those familiar with his long-standing impact on Principia School Basketball,” said Principia School’s Athletic Director Shawn Brown. “We are thrilled to see his dedication acknowledged at the national level.”
Under his leadership, Principia School stands at 23–3 for the 2025–26 season and is currently ranked No. 4 in the country according to the latest 2026 MaxPreps National Rankings. Blossom’s program is consistently recognized for its discipline, sportsmanship, and high-level performance—qualities that have kept Principia School in the national conversation year after year since his arrival in 2023.
“Jay’s recognition is a testament to his outstanding coaching and the culture of excellence he builds with our student athletes,” said Brown. “That impact is felt well beyond our own community. We recently received a note from a parent on an opposing team who shared how impressed they were with Jay and his staff—how they supported and encouraged their son during the game, and how our players competed with humility and respect. Hearing things like that reinforces exactly why Jay is so deserving of this national honor.”
The Naismith High School Boys Basketball Coach of the Year Award is traditionally announced in the spring, following the conclusion of the high school basketball season.