We usually keep the conversation here limited to the FCIAC, but Hillhouse boys basketball coach Kermit Carolina is fondly remembered at Trinity Catholic High School.
In one of the most memorable playoff games in CIAC history, the Crusaders won a dramatic triple overtime game over Hillhouse, 75-73, in the semifinal round of the CIAC Division I Tournament in 2005.
Future UConn starter Craig Austrie made a game-tying 3-point shot at the end of the second overtime and blocked a shot by De’arie Allick of Hillhouse at the buzzer of the third overtime to preserve the win. Austrie finished with 22 shots and Chris Skrelja, in the best game of his career before heading to play at Brown, scored 30 points.
Carolina played a pivotal part in the outcome. His team had a 12-point lead at the start of the final quarter, but Carolina inexplicably kept substituting repeatedly, for no apparent reason, often removing his hottest players from the game. Many observers — this one included — felt Carolina cost Hillhouse the game.
It also happened to be Trinity coach Mike Walsh’s 400th career win.
So perhaps it was somewhat ironic that on the night Trinity coach Mike Walsh got his 500th career win, yesterday Carolina provided the most controversial moment of the season with a tirade following his team’s 74-68 win over Xavier.
Credit goes to WFSB for being the only media outlet to capture Carolina’s meltdown (it is the first highlight).
Carolina harshly criticizes the referees and accuses them of having a bias toward Xavier, a private Catholic school. Different boards handle Hillhouse’s and Xavier’s home games.
Rarely has a coach ever been so outspoken about officiating. I wonder what Carolina would have said had Hillhouse lost.
It will be interesting to see if Hillhouse, the SCC or even the CIAC takes any actions toward Carolina, who certainly didn’t win any fans. Even if everything Carolina said were true, it is hard to see what his motivation was. He has everything to lose and nothing to gain from the outburst.
Carolina is certain to get a lot of attention in the days ahead, which will bring back pleasant memories at Trinity Catholic.
Dave,
In all my year in sports, I never seen anything like what Coach Carolina’s did on WFSB. Even if a coach is having a bad night, and things are not going well, you don’t make an outburst like that. I am shock, and the SCC and CIAC should take some action. What kind of message is he sending to his players? Is it because his team is not ranked number one in the state????? He has just hurt himself in the long run, with the officals. I think overall, the officals in high school basketball (CT), do a good job.
Comment by Donald C — February 8th, 2010 @ 12:29 am
I watched this as well. I think the man is simply ignorant and has no clue about sportsmanship and proper decorum. What he said is not that awful, it’s just that he wont win many friends nor will he get any calls from the referees in the future. And this Coach won the game ! What a loser.
Comment by Full Disclosure — February 8th, 2010 @ 9:12 am
An incredible display of poor sportsmanship……and to be so adamant about it while being interviewed on TV, no less…..does he really think that kind of outburst will lead to change? It will be interesting to see if the SCC or CIAC send a message…..because if they don’t, you’ve got to think there is another coach out there ready to say and do the same thing….
Here’s hoping the “code” among officials is not “Hey, Coach Carolina…you thought those calls in the Xavier game were bad…..watch this.” Because in the end who would suffer? Oh, yeah….the KIDS. Isn’t it supposed to be about them?
Comment by fciacfootballfan — February 8th, 2010 @ 10:02 am
Dear Full Disclosure,
I agree with you about the man being ignorant and a poor sport but I must take exception to a statement you made about the officials not giving him any calls in the future.
No official I know and I know them all in Ct. cares who wins or loses the game. If they were officiating a game where they despise the coach he or she would get the exact same call. I know most people don’t see it that way but that is the truth. .
Comment by gman — February 9th, 2010 @ 11:37 am
Gman,
You are a piece of work pal. That was said “toungue and cheek”. If they are doing that at the Pro and College levels and there is PROOF of it (Officials showing bias) then they are doing it at the High School Level. I appreciate your kewl aid for refs and umpires but please ………..
Full
Comment by Full Disclosure — February 9th, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
Full-
gman is right. Refs do NOT care who wins or loses a game in HIGH SCHOOL sports. They have nothing to gain from it.
Comment by John — February 10th, 2010 @ 12:01 am
John and Gman,
It is only natural for a High School ref to hold some sort of bias against a team, Coach or player. They are human.
And if you don’t think there is bias towards teams coaches or players go read the scandal book that took place in the NBA ….
So in High School ofcourse there is going to be some biasness……
Comment by Full Disclosure — February 10th, 2010 @ 10:24 am
Full,
I been around sports a very long time, and I agree with you 100%. The ref’s will hold it against him. It’s one thing getting a “T” for saying something to a ref on the court, but to go on TV and blast them…….they will remember………
Comment by Donald C — February 10th, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Full and Donald C.
The NBA refereeing situation was a different animal. He was a gambler and was giving information and possibly calls to win BETS. Their is no betting on High School Sports.
Most high school referees were players at one time and have an appreciation of the game. They will not in any way deliberately make a call that costs any team a game. Will they make bad calls now and then? YES. Please watch the scores of the Hillhouse games for the remainder of the season-according to your philosophy they will be lucky to win another game this year. I dissagree. Stay turned.
What I think Full Disclosure and Donaald C. are refering too is that if they were refereeing a Hillhouse game they would make sure that Coach Carolina team does not get any calls. Shame on you!!
Comment by gman — February 10th, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
FYI: I spoke to an FCIAC referee about the Carolina case yesterday and he said exactly what I would expect every official to say: you would call one of his games no differently than any other game. You block it out.
Comment by Dave Ruden — February 10th, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
gman,
I been around a long time. I have never seen a high school coach speak like that(on tv) about ref’s. I don’t think it’s good for his program, or his kids. Listen, ref’s are not perfect and make mistakes. We all do in life! As a coach, you don’t want to get that mad, and blame the ref’s, when they won the game…..Even if a ref made some bad calls, you have to act respectful for your school and players. As a coach, you can’t get so heated up, to blow up like that…not good…………and I do think that the ref’s, stick together…just like a botherhood……
Comment by Donald C — February 10th, 2010 @ 6:41 pm
The coach of Hillhouse was wrong and should be suspended by the SCC board of directors-we all agree on that—his behavior was childish and disrespectful. Believe me I have no sympathy for this man. He was the same coach who refused to foul Craig Austrie with a three point lead with three seconds to go in a semi-final game -costing his team the game. Good for Trinity-bad for Hillhouse.
If I had to choose between the integrity of coaches or the integrity of officials –I would take the officials any day of the week.
Comment by gman — February 10th, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
gman……..well said
Comment by Donald C — February 10th, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
coaches who don’t foul with 3 point leads in the closing seconds should be fired….on the spot.
Comment by John — February 10th, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
Fellas,
I am not picking on Coaches here nor am I really picking on referees.
It is natural during a game when a Coach embarrases a referee (please this does happen yes this does happen) the next close call IS NOT going that teams way.
Please don’t argue with me on this. I am 100% right.
Thank you.
Full
Comment by Full Disclosure — February 11th, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Full,
I believe you 100%. I spoke to a ref from the SWC’S. He told me the same thing. They stick together, trust me…….the ref’s
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
ever hear of “make-up” calls? they help the coach who complains. the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Comment by John — February 11th, 2010 @ 6:38 pm
Dave,
I really don’t know where to write this? Where is Tevin Baskin?? Is he going to wait until next year to play?? Do you have an info???
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
He’s at Quinnipiac taking classes but is not eligible to play until next season.
Comment by Dave Ruden — February 11th, 2010 @ 7:33 pm
Thanks Dave! I thought that is what I heard. Dom Langston is going there next year too???? Right??? Dom is at St Thomas Moore Prep??
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
Don’t know him
Comment by Dave Ruden — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
Dave, he played for Kolbe last year. He is Greg L (St. Joe’s) cousin.
Do you remember him now???
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Dave, if you go onto the NERR web site. You type in his name and you will remember him. He is playing with St Thomas M. Prep school in CT. I think he is going to Quinnipiac next year?
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
I don’t cover Kolbe
Comment by Dave Ruden — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Dave…New England Recruiting Report web site. It says he is going to Quinnipiac next year. Great web site……You can find out lots of info on area players.
Comment by Donald C — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
Thanks Donald.
Comment by Dave Ruden — February 11th, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
Dave,
I heard what was going to happen, but I could not say anything. I knew the board would not let this go by. I think the ball is in the city of New Haven now, to do something about what Coach C said. I think they have to make an example that this is not a way to act toward’s any official. You will see what happens soon!!
Comment by Donald C — February 12th, 2010 @ 11:35 pm