Columbus’ Milo, Country Day’s Mata are Dade Boys’ Basketball Coaches of the Year
Jorge Milo had already played an integral part in the Columbus basketball dynasty for several years.
And Ralph Mata has been front and center for Miami Country Day’s rise in boys’ basketball in recent years.
In his first year as head coach, Milo led Columbus to its fifth consecutive state championship and Mata led Miami Country Day to its first ever berth in a state championship game.
Milo and Mata are the Miami Herald’s Miami-Dade County Boys’ Basketball Coaches of the Year.
Milo earned the accolade for Classes 7A-4A after taking over for coach Andrew Moran following his departure to the University of Miami, and keeping the Explorers’ winning ways going. Columbus answered the question of whether or not it could continue to win without Cameron and Cayden Boozer by becoming the first Dade boys’ program to win five state titles in a row and matching a state record held by Jacksonville Arlington Country Day and Malone High.
Led by Miami Herald 7A-4A Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American Caleb Gaskins, the Explorers remained among the nation’s top teams and battled their way to another Class 7A state title.
Columbus followed that triumph by winning a postseason national tournament for the second consecutive season. The Explorers picked up three impressive victories to secure the championship of The Throne national tournament. It was the second time Columbus has won the event in four years.
Mata earned the honors for Classes 3A-1A.
At Miami Country Day, a school known for its incredibly successful girls’ program, Mata led the boys to a breakthrough as the Spartans made it to the state title game in Class 2A. Miami Country Day won over 20 games, including an impressive victory in the regional finals over then three-time reigning state champion Riviera Prep.
Country Day followed that by winning for the first time at state final four before losing the final to Jacksonville Providence.
Despite the setback, the Spartans are positioned well next season to make another run to reach state and perhaps overcome that final obstacle.
