Everett High School boys basketball coach John DiBiaso recorded the 500th victory of his coaching career when the Crimson Tide defeated Chelmsford, 66-46, in the first round of the Division 1 North sectionals on March 1 in Everett.
DiBiaso is believed to be the first high school coach in Massachusetts to reach 300 wins in football and 500 wins in basketball.
500 Wins to Greatness:From left, Robert Sansone, Jonathan DiBiaso, Assistant Supt. Charles Obremski, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Supt. Frederick Foresteire, Everett boys basketball head coach John DiBiaso, Maureen DiBiaso, and William Shields
Supt. of School Frederick Foresteire presented a banner to DiBiaso in recognition of the prodigious achievement. DiBiaso was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Maureen, daughter, Kristina, and son, Jonathan.
Foresteire has often called John DiBiaso “the greatest football coach of all-time in Massachusetts.” His basketball-coaching career has also been extraordinary as Everett has been a consistent contender in the Greater Boston League and a perennial qualifier for the State Tournament. Competing in the Northeastern Conference for the first time this season, Everett went 15-0 and won the league championship.
“Coach DiBiaso is special,” said Supt. Foresteire. “He’s in a class of its own. Nobody is going to do what he’s done. He’s a special guy.”
Asked about reaching the milestone as he retires from the Everett school system, DiBiaso said, “It’s a little bittersweet. My kids grew up here. I met my wife in the old gym at Everett High so there are a lot of good memories. I try to dwell on the good things.
Senior guard Ghared Boyce scored 30 points in the game on a succession of long-range jumpers. Senior guard Isaiah Likley contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Junior forward Eric Thompson had an outstanding two-way game, blocking five shots and netting some key baskets for Everett. Chelmsford led through much of the first half before Everett rallied to take a 27-26 lead at the half. The Tide, led by the tandem of Boyce and Likely, with additional help from Nate Mehu, Caleb Jacobs, Marcus Alexis, and Jake Willcox, pulled away in the second half.
“I thought our seniors, especially, stepped up in the second half,” said DiBiaso. “I was very proud of the way they responded in the second half. I challenged them at halftime and they did what they had to do.”