H.S. BASKETBALL: Two local boys teams name new head coaches

New lead man at Pine Grove

Pine Grove is officially moving its boys basketball team into a new phase with the naming of John Rizzo as the next head coach. He replaces Jordan Lehman who went 7-15 last season.

The Cardinals’ job was the right fit for Rizzo, who always wanted to get back into coaching after he took a break nine years ago when his kids were younger. His wife is the head girls coach for Pine Grove. It was a unique opportunity.

“I think the world and have a lot of respect for Pine Grove,” said Rizzo. “We share the same visions and want the program to take a leap and be more competitive.”

Rizzo, 42, comes to Pine Grove with a ton of experience. He served as head coach for Antietam boys from 2008-2011 where he went 32-40 overall and head coach for North Schuylkill girls from 2011-2016 where he went 95-23 including a 2014 Schuylkill League title.

Rizzo took over those two programs when they were at their lowest so he will be prepared to lead the Cardinals.

“I take pride in rebuilding programs,” said Rizzo. “I felt the program needed a boost, I am excited to get in the gym and start teaching.”

Rizzo knows what he wants from his kids when Pine Grove takes the court.

“It will be centered around playing with passion, hard and with energy,” said Rizzo. “We want to compete with our rivals.”

Rizzo also wants to get more kids involved in the youth basketball program knowing it will help to build the high school program.

Agosti gets his chance at North Schuylkill

After letting Will Bracey go last month, North Schuylkill’s boys basketball team has found a new leader.

Earlier in the week, Anthony Agosti was hired as the next head basketball coach of the Spartans.

Former Tamaqua assistant Anthony Agosti set to become new head coach of North Schuylkill. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Agosti will take over a North Schuylkill squad that went 4-18 last season.

Agosti, 29, gets his first head coaching opportunity after previously serving as assistant at Marian Catholic and Tamaqua. Agosti is ready for his opportunity.

“I have had great experiences in every place I have gone,” said Agosti. “My goal was to always run a program someday and I was lucky enough to get the North Schuylkill job.”

Agosti also felt like North Schuylkill was the right fit and praised the school.

“All my life North Schuylkill was filled with great people,” said Agosti. “They have that championship mindset. What is not intriguing about North Schuylkill? It is a great school and district to be a part of.”

Agosti will have a lot to work with next year as North Schuylkill will return 14 players from last year’s roster who gained valuable experience.

“Guys want it,” said Agosti. “We are going to surround the players with great people who know basketball. The sky is the limit.”

Agosti hopes to be a difference maker for the next group of young coaches.

“I want to be a role model for the next group of young coaches coming up,” said Agosti.

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H.S. BASKETBALL: Two local boys teams name new head coaches

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