Russell finds plenty of support back on East Hampton sideline

CLINTON — One by one, he hugged his East Hampton players as they came off the court in the final seconds of the Shoreline Conference championship. One by one, his players, including the girl he had pushed in December and had made him a lightning rod for public opinion, hugged Shaun Russell back.

“We love our coach,” said Liana Salamone, who was honored as Shoreline Player of the Year before the game and went out and proved it Friday night at The Morgan School in a 35-24 victory over Cromwell.

That they love their coach was abundantly clear as the Bellringers won their fourth successive league title and now begin their quest for a Class M state championship.

“This night means a great deal,” Russell said. “I couldn’t be happier for Jordan (Murphy) and Mikeala (Rich). For our two seniors to win four of these, this is a way to pass the legacy and torch of what we try to do here. We want to have a championship effort all the time.

“Each season has a journey. This one is no different. They’re long. By this time of year everyone is a little banged up and tired. So you’re trying to find the way to push the right buttons and stay confident, believe in each other. The thing I was most proud of in this tournament is the way they stuck together.”

While each season is a journey, this one has taken a unique path. Sticking together became paramount. In speaking to four parents in recent weeks, including the mom of the girl who was pushed — it was not Salamone — it also is clear they support Russell.