Jay Karlins has been named the new head boys' basketball coach at Hamden Hall Country Day, replacing Skip Falcone.
Karlins was the JV coach for the Hornets last year under Falcone, who resigned after just one season. Karlins, 50, also was an assistant for two seasons (1999-2001) under former head coach David Beckerman.
"I want to make sure everyone truly fits into that program," Karlins said Tuesday. "Kids don't necessarily remember the wins and losses, but they do remember being a part of that sport and that school."
Karlins, a Branford resident, was also previously a head coach at both Foran (2001-2003) and at Guilford (2003-07). The state prep schools play with a 35-second shot clock, unlike those that reside in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.
"I'm excited to have a shot clock," Karlins said. "What I have learned over the last six years being away from head coaching is more about dealing with life lessons (with the kids). I've learned to be more patient and I;m re-energized."
Beckerman had some very strong teams at Hamden Hall during his tenure, coaching the likes of Danny Oglesby, Casey Hughes and Scott Draughn to both Fairchester League and New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class D championships. Karlins remembers what a couple of those years were like.
"David made something very special here and I want to make it even better," Karlins said.