Girls Basketball: Castellano National COY

Rich Castellano was conducting practice the day before Northport's quarterfinal game against Copiague on Feb. 24 when he was interrupted to take a phone call. The Northport coach doesn't take phone calls during practice and was upset to be disturbed before being told it was one he should take.

At that time, Castellano was informed he is the Russell Athletic/WBCA National High School Coach of the Year by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

"I was shocked," said Castellano, who is the first Long Island coach and second from the state to win the award. "It's a very nice honor. I really appreciate it. I didn't realize how big it is. I have been getting a lot of phone calls."

Castellano has won 545 games in 32 seasons as coach at Northport. The Tigers have won 25 league titles, 11 Suffolk championships, six Long Island titles, and have reached the state finals twice under his helm.

The Tigers went 19-1 this season, losing its first game in that quarterfinal against Copiague. Castellano was inducted into the state Basketball Hall of Fame two years ago.

Castellano will coach the white team in the WBCA High School All-American Game at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at The Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

"It's a major honor," Castellano said.

Castellano retired as a math teacher at the end of the 2010 school year. He said he will coach next season.