After a courageous fight, former Washington Demon girls’ basketball coach Phil Long lost his battle with cancer Tuesday evening at the age of 59. Long, a lifelong resident of Washington, spent 25 years coaching girls’ basketball for the Demons and accumulated several accolades in his quarter century on the sidelines.

Long was on staff for three state basketball championships, and won three Southeast Conference titles as head coach. He led the Demons to over 100 victories, winning the league’s Coach of the Year award in 2011. Long retired from coaching after the 2014 season.

Celebration of life services for Long will be held at 10:30 a.m. tomorow at the St. James Catholic Church in Washington, with visitation today. For full service details, visit KCIIRadio.com. Those attending are encouraged to wear black and orange in honor of Phil’s dedication to Washington Athletics.