Willie Braziel was informed by his Columbia Heights boys' basketball assistant coaches that he started this season with 90 career victories.
The century mark was imminent for coach Braziel, who got there with a 68-59 victory against North Branch on Jan. 18. But recognition came a day later.
"[Assistant coach] Dedrick Jenkins called me the next morning and said, 'You realize what last night was?'" Braziel said. "There wasn't any fanfare but that's OK."
There was some vindication, however. Braziel took over the Hylanders in 2007 after a 4-21 season and elevated their profile. His first four teams increased their victories each year, culminating in 2011 with the program's first state tournament appearance in 81 years. Columbia Heights lost in the Class 3A title game.
Dynamic players such as Jacob Thomas and Zach Lofton carried their teams and brought Braziel some unwelcome criticism.
"People took their shots and said I could only coach talent," Braziel said.
Columbia Heights started this week ranked No. 6 in Class 3A despite "no Division I or Division II guys getting regular minutes," Braziel said.
"You just hope coaches would say we play hard," Braziel said. "I hope that's what people say when they play us."
