2021 SUN Preps All-Area Athletes & Teams
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1466350
www.yoursun.com Page 11 COACH OF THE YEAR: Massolio's bittersweet breakthrough By PATRICK OBLEY SPORTS WRITER TOM MASSOLIO CHARLOTTE BASKETBALL Basketball fortunes at the high school level can be fickle and cruel. For two decades at the helm of the highly successful Charlotte boys program, Tom Massolio had guided talent-laden teams to the cusp of state glory only for history to brush past the team like a stranger in a crowd. No more. This past season, the Tarpons battled COVID-19, injuries and a brutal schedule en route to their first-ever Final Four appearance. If those obsta- cles weren't already enough, there was one final, cruel blow that hovered over the team all season long before striking just as the postseason began. On Feb. 7, Massolio's wife, Renee, lost her battle with cancer. With a heavy heart, Massolio returned courtside just three days later to a gym full yellow-clad Tarpon fans wearing Renee's favorite color and a bench full of players eager to honor him and his wife's legacy. Charlotte crushed Braden River that night and a historic run was under way. SUN PHOTOS BY CHRIS BLAKE Coach Tom Massolio perse- vered despite the tragic death of his wife during the season. Sotheby's International Realty® and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. PremierSothebysRealty.com VENICE OFFICES 400 Barcelona Avenue Venice, Florida 34285 215 West Venice Avenue Venice, Florida 34285 Congratulations to the Venice High School Class of 2021! We honor your outstanding achievements during an extraordinary year — the best is yet to come. adno=3797607-1