When Shawn Mobilio took over the Pomperaug boys basketball program two years ago, the Panthers hadn’t played in a state tournament game in six seasons.
Pomperaug did qualify for the 2020 CIAC state tournament, but the postseason was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the program still searching for a true return to the madness of March.
Mobilio delivered that return immediately.
In his inaugural season at the helm, he helped the Panthers reach both the SWC tournament and the second round of the state tournament. The following year, the Panthers backed it up with a second straight state tournament appearance and another double-digit win season, confirming that the turnaround was no fluke.
Now entering its third season in the Mobilio era, Pomperaug’s chase for relevance on the hardwood has evolved into leading a program on the rise.
This year’s roster includes captains Senior Noah Pane and Junior Jake Null. They are joined by juniors Gavin Lynch, John Reeder, Cayden Marble, and Jason Bordeau.
A group of underclassmen will gain valuable experience this season, as sophomores Jonah Suhar, Anthony Amara, and Kyle Wiebke have earned a spot on the team. A pair of freshmen, as well, could lend some help, as Zaire Watson and Derrick Creaco have already made an impression on coaches during the preseason.
With some former players now gone due to graduation, Mobilio says there will be opportunities for anyone to step up, including some of the underclassmen.
The Panthers will compete in the CIAC’s Division III this year.
A Coach’s Love for the Game
Mobilio’s basketball journey started in Bridgeport and then later in Naugatuck, where he would spend hours shooting at local gyms and YMCAs.
He would spend so much time on the court that his mother would have to come by and tell him that it was time to come home for the night.
It was also in Naugatuck where he would meet his then-gym teacher, Ron Plasky, who is now the Athletic Director at Pomperaug High School.
His passion for the game led him to Seymour High School, where playing time was limited at first as a sophomore. But when his number was called off the bench, Mobilio took full advantage of the opportunity.
An impressive 20-point performance led to more playing time, as well as a dream to take his talents to the next level.
“I started playing, and the next thing you know, I told [my coach], I want to play college basketball,” Mobilio said.
Despite being told he was “too short” to play collegiate basketball, Mobilio walked on at Southern Connecticut State University before continuing his career at Western Connecticut State University. At WestConn, he spent three seasons as part of a nationally ranked Division III program, serving as co-captain and point guard during his senior year.
His playing career didn’t stop there.
He earned a spot on Team USA Select, earning his way by competing and trying out against Division I and Division II collegiate athletes. He was the only Division III athlete chosen for a spot on the European Tour, after a tryout process involving 10 games in three days in Charlotte, N.C.
The exposure tour saw him play in Scotland and Ireland, among other European countries.
From there, his pivot into coaching was a natural transition. It started in Milford at a local gym he owned, and then led him to the collegiate level at the University of New Haven. As an assistant coach, Mobilio helped oversee back-to-back DII NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023.
In taking the head coaching position at Pomperaug, Mobilio hopes to reshape the program in his own way by giving players a “college-feel” – think brand new Under Armour jump suits, film sessions, and community fundraisers to help support the team.
“We treat them like college athletes,” Mobilio said. “I’m like, why can’t we have that?”
Mobilio is also the co-owner of the local Slamma Jamma basketball camps and is the author of a biography titled, 7 Ft Heart.
Up Next
Pomperaug’s 2025-26 campaign features a total of 20 games against conference rivals and a group of non-league foes, including Windham RVT, Northwestern Regional High School, Harding High School, and Kennedy High School.
Pomperaug will host SWC opponents Bethel (1/5), New Fairfield (1/8), and Brookfield (1/15) early in the season.
The third-year head coach places a high priority on players’ attitudes, saying it’s the one thing they can control throughout a basketball game.
“We expect our players to lead each other and be committed to a team-first mindset,” said Mobilio. “We are proud to represent our schools, town, youth clinics, and our high school team.”
Pomperaug opens their season tonight at home, Friday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m., against Windham RVT.
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