By Bobby Narang
For the second time this season, School District 86 has been beset with problems regarding a basketball program.
Last month, the Hinsdale South boys basketball team endured a two-plus week controversy when standout senior guard/forward Brendan Savage was surprisingly cut from the team even though he was a two-time all-conference selection.
When Savage rejoined the team – in part due to his mom, Erin’s, suing the District and several employees, that seemed to be the end of any off-the-court issues.
Not so fast.
December 4, Hinsdale Central varsity girls basketball head coach Erin Navolio and two of her staff members resigned from their coaching positions.
Two days later, District 86 spokesperson, Chris Jasculca, released a statement that confirmed the news regarding the girls basketball program. First-year Hinsdale Central athletic director Mike Jezioro is slated to take over the program.
“Three members of the coaching staff for the Hinsdale Central girls basketball team resigned from their positions December 4, which resulted in the postponement of the team’s game against Proviso West December 5,” the statement read. “Mike Jezioro, the school’s athletic director, will be filling in as the coach while his department conducts a search for interim and permanent replacements. He is also working with his counterparts from Proviso West to reschedule the game that was postponed.”
Then, December 7, the District issued another statement to update the basketball program.
“As you may know, three members of the coaching staff for our girls basketball team resigned from their position December 4. I want to them thank for their time and service. I also want to let you know that we have identified three experienced coaches who have agreed to lead the program on an interim basis for the reminder of the season, effective immediately.”
The statement mentioned that Ryan Sasis would serve as the interim head coach for the varsity team, while Brad Warble would be an assistant varsity coach and Gia Pellizzari, “will lead the junior varsity team.”
Sasis’ background includes coaching stints at Kaneland and Marian Catholic. Sasis was the head coach for Friday’s defeat at York.
“We will have some growing pains, but the girls know it will be one day at a time,” Sasis said after Friday’s defeat. “I’m happy to be here and happy to help out. We’re going to keep working and building.”