Boys’ varsity basketball coach Joe Killelea recorded his 400th career victory with a 60-55 win over Tyngsboro on Friday, Jan. 22. Although Killelea was not impressed with his team’s performance, “it was nice just to win a game,” he said.
Killelea was South’s assistant coach before becoming the head coach for the 1980-1981 season. His first win as head coach in December 1980 was an away game against Millis. “We were 0-3 going into that game — three miserable losses,” Killelea said.
After Friday’s game, the team presented a basketball to Killelea, signed by each individual player. “Our team was really happy to give [Killelea] his 400th win,” junior player DJ Reid said. “He works really hard for us … and we were happy to secure the win.”
Athletic Director Scott Perrin believes Killelea has been one of South’s best head coaches of all time. “He’s had some tremendous teams,” Perrin said. “[Killelea] is a fixture in Massachusetts high school basketball.”
Though the Lions (4-6 DCL, 6-7 overall) must win four of their last seven games to make the playoffs, Perrin is optimistic that Killelea can lead the team in the right direction. “This year might be one of his best yet,” Perrin said.
Killelea, who has been with South since 1977, notched win number 401 with a Jan. 26 win over Concord-Carlisle. “Even though we’re winning, we’re not playing particularly well,” Killelea said. “We missed 23 layups and had 25 turnovers [against C-C].”
Reid, South’s leading scorer, was limited to just two points. Despite a lack of scoring from him, Reid has benefited greatly from Killelea. “[Killelea] has taught me how to read defenses,” Reid said. “He’s been a great mentor to me beyond basketball.”
The Lions received contributions from seniors Ethan Landzberg (21 points) and Alex O’Hagan (15 points). O’Hagan’s layup with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter put the Lions on top for the rest of the game.
Throughout Tuesday’s 52-45 victory over C-C, Killelea continued to express displeasure, both with his team and with the referees. Despite his show of discontent, “he has calmed down over the years,” Perrin said.
Reid also noted that Killelea’s presence extends beyond his coaching position. “He’s a good guy. He really cares about the entire team,” Reid said.
Perrin gave a short, informal speech prior to Tuesday’s game to honor Killelea’s 400th win. Perrin said that he plans to further honor Killelea at the Winter Sports Awards night next month. As for the future, Killelea has no plans of going anywhere. “I look forward to getting my 800th win,” he said.
