It took eight years and four Northeastern Conference championships but English’s Fred Hogan has finally grasped an honor that had eluded him: NEC North Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.
Heading into the championship game of the Spartan Classic Monday night, Hogan had guided the Lady Bulldogs to a 19-2 record and the NEC North title for the second year in a row. His team carried a 16-game winning streak into the Spartan Classic final versus Lexington.
Though he has been the Boston Globe Coach of the Year and the Daily Item Coach of the Year (twice), this was Hogan’s first nod from his NEC colleagues.
“I’m really honored to receive this award,” said Hogan. “It’s recognition for all of our coaches and players to be proud of.”
English junior Deidra Newson, who hit the game-winning three-pointer versus Masconomet in the Spartan Classic semifinals, said she was proud of her coach.
“I’m so glad he got coach of the year, he deserved it,” said Newson. “He’s a wonderful coach all-around and a wonderful person so the award is perfect for him.”
Opposing coaches lauded Hogan for running an outstanding program.
“It’s been a long time coming, I think he’s deserved it for a long time, so I’m really happy for him,” said Winthrop coach Ignacio Oyola, the NEC South division coach of the year. “He’s definitely a hard-working coach that brings the best out of his team.”
Revere coach Katelyn Leonard praised Hogan’s “Fred has a great team and he really knows how to use his players right and that’s what makes him the coach of the year,” said Revere coach Katelyn Leonard. “I think he knows the strengths and weaknesses of his players and he gets them to play hard on every possession and that’s what you need to have a successful team. He deserves this award and I give my congratulations to him.”