coach rich williams

Head Coach Boys Varsity Basketball

Rich Williams leads the Panthers’ boys varsity basketball program at Pocono Mountain West, bringing deep roots and a record of success. Now in his eighth season as varsity head coach and 23rd year in the program, Williams has compiled a 115-56 varsity record.
A 1995 Pocono Mountain High School graduate from Brooklyn, NY, he still holds school records for career assists (303), assists in a season (148), and in a game (12). Williams played at Wilkes University and earned journalism and teaching degrees from Penn State and East Stroudsburg University.
Taking over as varsity head coach in 2017-18 after assistant and JV roles under Brad Pensyl, Williams guided his teams to a 5A District XI Championship, three District XI Finals, seven consecutive playoff appearances, two PIAA Sweet 16s, and four straight EPC North Division titles.
Outside basketball, Williams teaches in the district’s cyber program and directs PMWYBA Select, Team Fermin AAU, and the West Camp Youth Basketball League.

coach Jim Dempsey

Head Coach Girls Varsity Basketball

Jim Dempsey was named head coach of the Lady Panthers varsity girls basketball team at Pocono Mountain West heading into the 2023-24 season.  
A longtime member of the school district, Dempsey also serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Clear Run Intermediate School, and has coached multiple levels of boys basketball—including roles as freshman, JV head, and varsity assistant—before transitioning to the girls program.  
In his first season as girls head coach, he led the team through a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing a disciplined team identity and emphasizing student-athlete standards in both the classroom and on the court.  
Known for his energetic coaching presence and ability to connect with players, Dempsey brings continuity to the program’s tradition of competitiveness and is setting the foundation for the Lady Panthers’ next chapter.