Lawrence Girls’ Basketball Coach John Donato Hits 500 Wins

Lawrence High School girls' basketball coach John Donato has joined the 500-win coach club - a club that includes only a few around the state.

Donato's Bulldogs beat Brewer 76-39 on Saturday (Dec. 27) to improve to 7-0 this season.

In his 38th year, Donato has coached at Messalonskee, Mt.View, Hall-Dale and Houlton, before taking over the Lawrence program.

At Houlton, his Shiretowners teams won 261 games, 9 Eastern B titles and 4 state championships.

Among the Maine high school coaches with 500 wins - Dick Barstow, Gavin Kane, I.J. Pinkham and Roger Reed.