Braves coach joins Elite Eight at Tacoma ceremony

Road trips are nothing new for the La Conner High basketball program – unless, of course, it’s one scheduled for late July.

And one that’s been as much anticipated as a Christmas tournament at Port Townsend or trip to Spokane in March.

A large La Conner entourage will drive to Tacoma tomorrow, Thursday, to attend ceremonies honoring head coach Scott Novak as one of eight inductees into the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Novak joins a 2015 class that includes former Concrete coach John Peterson, now at Willapa Valley.

He also enters a fraternity that features such Washington state coaching legends as Marv Harshman, Judd Heathcote, Don Monson, Dean Nicholson, and Chuck Randall.

Novak, who has spent more than two decades at La Conner, will be recognized during a banquet at the Allenmore Events Center. He will be formally introduced by assistant coach Dustin Swanson.

The La Conner mentor is unique in that for much of his career he has simultaneously coached the school’s boys and girls teams.

“It’s something I’m really proud of,” Novak said upon learning of his Hall of Fame nomination earlier this year.

While at La Conner, Novak has compiled a 356-167 mark with the Braves. The team has won 11 League championships, three District titles, and made 14 State Tournament appearances during that span.

He has also guided the Lady Braves to a 136-43 record, five League crowns, three District championships, and three State tourney berths.

Novak is coming off a 2014-15 campaign in which the Lady Braves posted a program-best 26-1 ledger and placed third at Spokane.

One reason La Conner fans will turn out in large numbers for the July 23 event is Novak’s desire to share credit for his Hall of Fame selection.

“What I really want to stress,” he said, “is that this isn’t about me. In my way of thinking, it’s more about all the many people at La Conner who’ve helped me out over the years.”