Somerville school officials have selected the replacement for popular but embattled ex-girls basketball coach Brian Harris.
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Shannon Clark has been named the next varsity girls basketball coach in place of Harris, who was not recommended for a return to the sidelines last year despite 260 wins and seven Greater Boston league titles in 18 seasons.

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Harris was criticized in an evaluation by Athletic Director Nicole Viele for “confrontational and intimidating actions” and “rantings with a loud, hostile tone.”
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Clark brings seven years coaching experience to the position, most recently serving as head coach of the Wheelock College women’s basketball team and assistant coach at Simmons College Women’s Basketball Team.
In his last year at Simmons the team significantly increased their scoring percentages, points per game, three-point shots, free throw percentages, and individual assists.
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Prior to coaching NCAA Division III ball Clark was the assistant varsity coach at Boston College High School. During his tenure at BC High the team won back to back Catholic Conference crowns, celebrated an undefeated season in 2007 and won its first ever state title.
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Viele said, “Coach Clark uses individual and team data to create winning defensive and offensive strategies that leverage individual player’s strengths. He is a clear communicator and has a pattern of engaging his players in thinking through improvements based on their assessment of their capabilities and those of their opponents.” Clark will assume his new position on November 29, 2010 with the start of the season.
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Superintendent Anthony Pierantozzi, who retained final decision-making authority for the hire, accepted the recommendation of Tony Ciccariello, headmaster of Somerville High School.
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Pierantozzi said, “The interview process demonstrated that Shannon Clark’s on point strategies for helping each player expand her role and leadership on the team combined with a track record for innovative offense will be an
asset to the Lady Highlanders.”
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In 2009-2010, the Somerville Varsity Girls’ Basketball team finished their regular season 14-6. They went on to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament and were knocked out in the first round by Lincoln Sudbury High School.