Salem High School Basketball

Salem High School has had some great success in basketball over the years. In the 1920's, Glenn O'Brien began a 36-year run as basketball coach.

By the time he finished up in 1961, the team had 423 wins. He was inducted into the Mass. Basketball Coaches Association in 1975 and the Salem High

Hall of Fame in 1991.

Salem was a habitual state tournament participant in the 1960'a and had some strong seasons in the 70's and early 80's.

In the 1980's and early 1990's the team was coached by Jack O'Brien (no relation to Glenn) who achieved a record of 131-30 in seven seasons and guiding

the team to Division 2 state title in 1990. Rick Brunson who later went to the NBA was of this era.

"Scoonie" Penn was also a stand-out in this era, who would star at Boston College and Ohio State and have an 11 year pro career in Europe.

See Also

"Witches Boys Basketball; In Salem, the basketball never stops" Salem News, Aug. 22, 2016, p. 9

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Salem High School Hall of Fame

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Penn, Scoonie

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Brunson, Rick