Broughton takes over Peabody hoop reins

Thad Broughton, the smooth guard who backboned St. Mary’s to back-to-back Division 4 state basketball champions in 2001 and 2002, has been named head coach at Peabody High School.Broughton replaces Dominic Coleman, who stepped down at the conclusion of last season.Broughton scored 2,005 points for the Spartans – eclipsing the 2,000-mark in the same game in which the Spartans won the championship.”I’m really pumped up,” said Broughton, a Peabody resident. “It’s real special to live in the community, teach in the high school, and also get a chance to coach at the high school as well.”Broughton, whose coaching career began as an assistant at St. Mary’s, helped Coleman out at Peabody for the past four seasons.”It’s been a special few years,” he said, “and now, taking over the program, it’s going to be real special. I’m looking forward to it.”Broughton won both his championships under coach Mike O’Brien, with whom he keeps in close contact now.”He’s been a large influence in my coaching career and in my life,” Broughton said. “He’s somebody that I have kept in touch with over the years, and someone who I seek out for advice a lot.”He’s a great guy,” Broughton said, “and an absolutely unbelievable high school coach.””We’re excited to have him,” said athletic director Phil Sheridan. “He’s a teacher at the school, and he’ll be a great addition.”Broughton said he’s chomping at the bit to start.”I feel like Peabody High School is ready to make some major strides in the Northeastern Conference,” Broughton said. “We have a solid group of kids coming back who are not only good athletes, but good basketball players.”I can’t wait for the first day of practice to begin my coaching career,” Broughton said. “I want to put these kids in a position to win as many games as possible.”