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Coach Dave Pitruzzello
 Coach Pitruzzello is a former player at Cromwell High School where he
was selected captain for varsity basketball and baseball teams. He was
also selected All-League and All-County in both sports.
After graduating in 1976 Coach Pitruzzello received an athletic
scholarship to Franklin Pierce College, a Division II school in
Rindge, New Hampshire. He enjoyed a successful playing career. Dave
was an All-League selection in both sports at F.P.C. and captained
both his college teams. The basketball team finished with a record of
29-2 with a successful trip to the National Tournament. Dave was
inducted into the Franklin Pierce College
Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
After graduating in 1980, Coach Pitruzzello spent several years
coaching local high school boys and girls basketball teams and now
does recruiting for F.P.C. Coach "P" currently owns and operates Salon
Elite of Cromwell, and resides in Cromwell with his wife Julie and
their two children David and Jenna.
Coach Cornelius Thompson
 Corny Thompson is a former Middletown High School stellar athlete.
While in high school, he led his team to 76 consecutive wins, and
three state championships (1976-1978). "Corny" was named to the
Allstate team in 1975-1978. In 1978 he was selected first team All
American.
Corny's accolades include: "full Ride" at UCONN; voted Most
Outstanding Freshman in New England; 2nd highest scorer and rebounder
in UCONN history; member of the Dallas Mavericks from 1982-1984;
played in Italy from 1984-1990 and voted MVP in '86, '87, and '88.
In 1990-1996 Corny enjoyed a successful career in Spain where he was
again awarded MVP in 1994. His team won the European Championship and
the League Championship in 1990-1991 and 1991-1992.
Corny was an assistant coach with the Connecticut Pride where his team
won the League Championship in 1998-1999. We are extremely fortunate
to have Cornelius Thompson as an active member of our basketball
organization.
Coach Joe Salafia
 Coach Salafia began his high school career at Xavier High in
Middletown, Connecticut where he started for both his freshman and
sophomore seasons. He then transferred to Cromwell High where he
starred for his father, and legendary coach, Jake Salafia.
Joe was a two time All Stater in high school and averaged 25 points
and 7 assists as a senior. Joe is Cromwell High's #2 all time scorer
with over 1,400 points!
Joe started for Mattatuck Community College. In 1983 they were ranked
as high as #4 nationally among junior colleges. Joe finished that year
averaging 13 points per game while dishing out 7 assists. He was also
selected First Team All New England.
Coach Salafia has coached both boys and girls at the high school
level. He brings years of experience and a vast understanding of the
nuances of the game of basketball and we are all very thankful that
Joe Salafia is a very integral part of our basketball family.
Coach Steve Salafia
 Coach Salafia was also an outstanding high school athlete. Some of
Steve's accolades include; All Conference, All Middlesex County,
selected for Connecticut All Star Team, and a member of All State
(second team). Steve was also the "go-to-guy" on two state
championship runner up teams. He has also played at Post College in
Waterbury, Connecticut.
Steve has several years of coaching experience including ten years at
the Fundamental Basketball Camp at Mitchell College in New London. He
also coaches Travel Basketball in Cromwell, as well as his coaching
positon with Middlesex Rage. We are all lucky to have Steve Salafia on
board.
 Coach Keven Bahouth
Coach Bahouth has a winning record, coaching Boy's AAU Championship
teams in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He has coached varsity basketball at
Hale Ray High School and Platt High School. His college
credentials include serving as an assistant coach for the Trinity College Men's
basketball team.
Coach Donta Johnson
Donta Johnson has over 25 years of playing experience and 15 years of
coaching experience on a variety of different levels (high school
coaching, AAU, travel, and church and PAL leagues). As a former
professional basketball player with the Connecticut Pride (CBA/IBL)
and Springfield Slamm (EBA). Donta had the opportunity to travel
overseas and play as well.
At Springfield College, Donta was a two year captain of the team and
was selected as an All-American player. He earned Conference Player of
the Year, was a three time All-Conference performer and received the
New England’s Basketball Unsung Hero Award.
Donta has been coaching the Middlesex Rage AAU team for the past two
years. In his first season the Rage had a record of 17-8. He also
coached the Cromwell Travel team and led them to a 16-8 record.
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