Jay Scherer

Class of 2024

Jay Scherer’s journey through sports has left an indelible mark, both on the basketball court and beyond. A standout at Grissom High School, Scherer’s name became synonymous with basketball excellence in Huntsville, Alabama. Under the legendary coaching of Ronnie Stapler, Scherer cemented himself as one of the top players in the state, earning a spot as a McDonald’s All-American and becoming the 1988 Alabama Player of the Year. His high school career was a testament to his talent, leadership, and relentless work ethic.

During his senior year, Scherer averaged 21 points per game, leading the Grissom Tigers to a State Championship, City Championship, Area Championship, and Huntsville Times Classic Championship. He finished his career as Grissom’s all-time leading scorer with 1,159 points, shooting an impressive 55 percent from the 3-point line. Scherer’s accomplishments on the court didn’t go unnoticed; in 2010, he was named to the Huntsville Times All-Decade Basketball Team, joining the ranks of basketball greats like John Taft, Melvin Allen, and Bobby Lee Hurt.

Scherer’s success wasn’t confined to basketball alone. He also excelled in baseball, earning All-City honors and finishing his high school career with an impressive 28-3 record as a pitcher. His versatility as an athlete showcased his dedication to multiple sports and his ability to perform at the highest level.

At the collegiate level, Scherer continued to shine. He played basketball at East Carolina before transferring to Northwestern State University in Louisiana. There, he truly established himself as a special player. Scherer was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and led the team as a co-captain during his sophomore year. He averaged 17.1 points per game, hit 28 straight free throws, and ranked 15th nationally in 3-pointers. Scherer’s academic accomplishments matched his athletic prowess, as he earned multiple academic honors and was the first NSU player to make the national Division I Academic All-America ballot.

Reflecting on his time at Grissom, Scherer credits his coach, Ronnie Stapler, for much of his development. “Coach Stapler was tough, hard-nosed, and old school,” Scherer says. “He taught me as much about life as he did about basketball. He saw more potential in me than I saw in myself.” Scherer’s success on the court was due in no small part to the challenges and expectations set by Stapler, who pushed him to exceed his own limitations.

Outside of sports, Scherer has built a successful career in the business world. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Operations and President of Biospecimen Products and Services at Discovery Life Sciences. He also serves on the Board of the ARC of Madison County, continuing his tradition of making an impact in his community.

Despite his success, Scherer remains deeply connected to his roots and his family. His grandfather, Edsel Johnson, was a constant source of support, and Scherer fondly recalls a game at Northwestern State where he hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired, with his grandfather celebrating with him on the court—a memory he will forever cherish.

Jay Scherer’s legacy is one of excellence, not only in basketball but in every aspect of his life. His story continues to inspire athletes and professionals alike, proving that with dedication, hard work, and a strong support system, success is achievable both on and off the court.

This feature is a narrative summary created by AI for the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame project, based on Hall materials and public records, and stories written by Hall of Fame board members. Statistics and honors reflect the cited sources; please contact the Hall for official confirmations.