The success of the Hopkins Academy boys basketball team is apparent in the gym at the school.
The banners hanging on the wall tell the story of a successful program.
Some of the success has come in the last three years under coach Angelo Thomas. The Golden Hawks won the 2015 and 2016 Western Massachusetts Division 4 titles under Thomas.
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association named Thomas the West Division 4 Boys Coach of the Year.
“It’s a great honor,” Thomas said. “Even more because fellow coaches vote. That’s top notch for me.”
During the three years prior to Thomas’ arrival, the Golden Hawks were 5-55. Since the 2013-14 season, the team is 57-13 with the two championships.
The success of the Golden Hawks figures to continue this season with the return of Sam’i Roe, who is considered one of the best players in western Mass. Sharp-shooter John Earle is also back, as well as skilled frontcourt player Jon Morrison, who committed over the weekend to play Division I baseball at Rhode Island.
Thomas has an unwavering coaching style, with all players having a role and the expectation to not deviate from that role, regardless of the player’s talent level.
“Everyone has defined expectations of what they can and can’t do,” Thomas said. “It’s about holding them accountable.”
Part of coaching is the student aspect, which Thomas takes seriously.
“The student part is first,” Thomas said. “They have a duty in school to work hard and be respectful.”
Thomas recognized that his players are role models, not only to kids in Hadley, but his 6-year-old son Grayson.
“I don’t want to have to explain to him why a player might not be playing,” Thomas said. “I just want them to have good character on and off the court.”
Thomas will not hesitate to call players into his office to discuss character traits that go far beyond jump shots and bounce passes.
“I just want my players to be good people,” Thomas said. “To be a good teammate.”
