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Here’s a look at some of the top players coached by Bernie Holowicki, who died on Thursday
The beloved Bernie Holowicki bid us adieu this week, passing away at age 86. Holowicki headed the boys hoops program at Detroit Catholic Central from 1971 until 1994, then took over the Madonna program at the college level. His 612 wins are the seventh-most in MHSAA history.
In honor of the man who has the court in Shamrockville named after him, let’s rank the Top 10 players in the Holowicki era at CC:
1 Tom LaGarde (Class of 1973) – One of the best big guys to ever play in the state, played for Dean Smith at UNC, Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA First-Rd. Pick, NBA World Champion, eight-year pro career
2 Greg Wendt (Class of 1982) – Great scorer on the wing, an early Coach K recruit at Duke, finished strong on the college level at U-D Mercy
3 Rob Gonzales (Class of 1978) – GONZO!!!!!!!…………ENOUGH SAID!!!
4 Tommy Zaliagaris (Class of 1974) – Tough as nails out of the backcourt, played a SMASHMOUTH-brand of basketball
5 John McIntyre (Class of 1985) – As pure of a shooter as the Catholic League has ever seen, started on the No. 1 team in the nation in college at Missouri
6 Barry Spencer (Class of 1980) – Possessed a pretty powerful offensive arsenal, played and started in college at Notre Dame when it meant something to wear the Fighting Irish gold on the hardwood
7 Mike Prince (Class of 1977) – Fierce in the frontcourt, helped lead Holowicki to his lone state crown in ‘76
8 Bobby Kummer (Class of 1992) – The last superstar Holowicki mentored at the prep level
9 Chad Varga (Class of 1994) – The last superstar Holowicki mentored at the prep level Pt. 2
10 (tie) Stan Heath (Class of 1982) – Has made a name for himself as a Division I college coach
10 (tie) Mike Maleske (Class of 1983) – The second-best big fella to play for Holowicki behind LaGarde
