The Minnesota High School Basketball Coaches Association announced on March 27 that Cretin-Derham Hall Assistant Basketball Coach Tony Yazbeck has been recognized as State Assistant Coach of the Year.

The award recognizes the achievement and work done by assistant coaches in the state of Minnesota. Yazbeck has just completed his 8th year at CDH on the varsity boys basketball staff but has been coaching for 24 years, with his first 16 years at Saint Thomas Academy.

"I've been extremely fortunate to work at a place that values academics, athletics and has fantastic kids, parents and community support," Yazbeck said. "I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to coach in the CDH basketball program the last 8 years, and to work with not only great basketball players, but the best coaching staff in the state of Minnesota throughout my tenure here. Thank you to Coach Kline, Coach Hutchins, Coach Bellus, and Coach Jones who make coming to practice and games a true pleasure and joy."

During his 24 years coaching, Yazbeck has been part of championship-winning teams that have won 14 conference championships, 12 section championships and 3 state championships while coaching 18 future Division 1 players during his coaching tenure.