Kane named new Fenwick hoop coach

Bishop Fenwick announced Michael Kane as the new boys basketball head coach on Thursday.”Timing is everything,” Fenwick athletic director Bob Tierney said. “He has certainly paid his dues. Even during his college years he would find time to come in and help.”Kane has served as the associate head coach since 2004. Before that, he served Fenwick in several capacities: volunteer coach, junior varsity coach, and assistant coach.”I believe that I’ve been very loyal to the school,” Kane said. “I’ve been offered a few chances to leave, but I always decided (to stay).”The Lynn native graduated from Fenwick in 1995. In his senior season, he was voted as the team MVP. He attended Salve Regina University. He was an all-star his senior year.”I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Kane. “I’ve been here for nine years and have learned a lot from the coaches I’ve worked under and fully plan on keeping the tradition alive.”Kane was actually in the running for the job back in 2004. The school opted for Sean Connolly, who left for St. John’s Prep late last month. Under Connolly, the Crusaders made the state tournament three consecutive years.”Mike is a great coach,” Connolly said. “Michael Clifford is one of the better big men in the state. (Kane) spent a lot of time with him and has helped become the player that he is. He is a good choice. I have a lot of faith that he will do a great job.”With all five starters from last season returning, Kane plans on keeping a similar philosophy to Connolly’s.”This is a great time for me to take over,” said Kane. “I’m really looking forward to this year. I know a lot of the guys have been playing ball all summer and fall.”According to Tierney, there was only one other candidate for the job ? assistant coach John Dullea.”It was a tough decision,” Tierney said. “They are two gentlemen who were both qualified for the job.”Dullea was offered the now vacant associate coach position.