Boys Basketball Coaches Reach Milestone Victories

Introduction

Several boys basketball coaches reached milestone victories during the past 10 seasons. Some of them did so twice.

Vito Montelli and Nick Augelli

Only two coaches have won 700 games: Former St. Joseph coach Vito Montelli at 878 and current Crosby coach Nick Augelli with 734 wins. Victory No. 700 for Augelli came on Feb. 8, 2020 when the Bulldogs defeated host WCA, 78-70.

“This is the best group of players I’ve had in a long time,” Augelli said. “They’re great kids. I’m glad I did it with this team.”

Ken Smith

Ken Smith won game No. 500 at Windsor against Manchester 69-66 on Feb. 13, 2015. Victory No. 600 came nearly five years later, Jan. 17, 2020, a 78-72 overtime win at East Hartford.

“I don’t think about winning games,” Smith said in the days following his 600th win. “I think about the guys who did win state championships. I think about the guys who did everything they could when we won the state championships.”

John Mirabello

John Mirabello has the same two milestones. Mirabello opened the 2016 calendar year on a high note with a 70-45 win over Hall on Jan. 2. No. 600 was much more dramatic: Northwest Catholic defeated previously-unbeaten Notre Dame-West Haven 69-60 at home in a matchup of two of the top three teams in Connecticut.

Matt Curtis scored 38 points in his final regular-season home game to become the school’s all-time leading scorer.

“It’s special. So many kids, so many (assistant) coaches,” Mirabello said. “I’m completely grateful to the school. They have always supported us. We’ve asked so much of our kids over all these years. I hope that they got some reward to show for it. It means a lot, it really does.”

Mike Walsh

Mike Walsh, the owner of seven state championships while coaching at Stamford/Trinity Catholic, won his 600th game at St. Joseph 79-51 on Jan. 3, 2017.

“I didn’t get to 600 wins because I’m the smartest person in the world. I have had some really great players and I appreciate everything they have given to me and Catholic High,” Walsh said. “My family, too. They have sacrificed a lot and I thank them. I am really happy to get it.”

Craig Parker

Craig Parker won his 500th game at New London this year, his final one after 29 seasons at the helm. New London defeated Griswold 77-54.

The milestone for Parker occurred the same night that Holy Cross girls coach Frank Lombardo won his 600th game.

Gregg Hunt

Gregg Hunt not only won his 500th game at Wamogo on March 3, 2023, Wamogo won the Berkshire League boys basketball tournament title. Wamogo defeated Litchfield 64-51, the first All-Litchfield final since 2002.