Girls basketball: Anthony Ocacio steps down as Brunswick coach

BRUNSWICK — Anthony Ocacio is going out on a high note as coach of the Brunswick girls basketball team. After leading the Blue Devils to their winningest season in 16 years and their first Division I district final appearance since 2013, Ocacio has resigned after five seasons at the helm. The Brunswick graduate and his wife Sarah are expecting their first child in the fall. "Anthony is going to be starting a family in the fall and we wish him the best," athletic director Jim Kovi said. "We came to a mutual agreement that it was probably the right time for him to concentrate on the new addition to his family." Ocacio posted a 63-58 record after taking over the program from Halle (Lengal) Schmidt, topped by a 19-6 mark last winter. The Blue Devils won their first two postseason games before falling to state-qualifier Midview in the district finals. The signature game of Ocacio's coaching career occurred on Feb. 21 at Valley Forge, where Brunswick upset Highland 45-42 in the district semifinals immediately after losing Gazette MVP Journey Hildebrand to a season-ending injury. "Due to personal reasons, I thought it was best to step away now," said Ocacio, who will continue to live in the city and teach at Brunswick High. Kovi said the search process for a new coach will begin immediately. The Blue Devils will return the majority of their rotation with the notable exception of All-Greater Cleveland Conference center and Division II Northwood University signee Lea Holmes. With the departure of Solon from the league, Brunswick likely will be the GCC favorite. "We appreciate everything that Anthony has done for the program over the last five years," Kovi said. Contact Brian Dulik at brisports@hotmail.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on Twitter.