Boys basketball: James Philbrook hired to replace Mike Adams as Edward Little’s coach

James Philbrook is returning to the fold as the new boys basketball coach at Edward Little High School.

James Philbrook Submitted photo

Philbrook was announced Wednesday as the replacement for Maine Hall of Fame coach Mike Adams, who stepped down in April after leading the program for 23 years.

“We are excited for James ‘Jimbo’ Philbrook to write the next chapter in the storied history of Edward Little boys basketball,” Edward Little Athletic Director Todd Sampson wrote in a news release announcing the hire.

Philbrook is a 2010 Edward Little graduate who played basketball during one of the most successful stretches of Adams’ tenure. Philbrook was a key part of the Red Eddies’ runs to the 2009 and 2010 Class A state championship games.

“James was a standout athlete here at Edward Little as a student, where he was a captain of the 2010 Eastern Maine Championship boys basketball team and was selected first-team All-KVAC, All-Defensive Team, and KVAC All Academic,” Sampson said. “He is a passionate, experienced educator/coach. We are pleased to have Coach Philbrook join the Red Eddie coaching staff.”

After high school, Philbrook went to Saint Joseph’s College, graduating in 2014. The past nine years, he has served as the JV boys basketball coach and the varsity assistant at Scarborough High School. He also teaches physical education in the Biddeford School Department.

Philbrook has spent several years as the Senior Staff-Head Counselor at the well-known Hoop Camp in Casco. According to the news release, he is responsible for the day-to-day operation while also working directly with campers on the fundamental skills of basketball.

Edward Little’s James Philbrook celebrates after the Red Eddies defeated Brewer 59-55 to capture the Class A Eastern Boys Basketball Championship at the Augusta Civic Center in 2010. Philbrook has been hired as Edward Little’s new boys basketball coach. Sun Journal file photo

“He brings an extensive background and resume, as well as an outstanding knowledge of the game to the position,” Sampson said. “He is a well-established educator, who possesses a true understanding of educational-based athletics. He is an exceptional coach whose coaching style and philosophies will be a great fit for the program, while committing to develop the program’s youth level through high school.”

Philbrook will try to add to Adams’ legacy, which includes Class AA state titles in 2018 (in which the Red Eddies defeated Scarborough) and 2020, and 330 career wins, the most by a boys or girls high school basketball coach in Auburn or Lewiston.

Edward Little has filled three winter sports coach openings over the past week. Frank Perry was announced as the new girls basketball coach on Tuesday, and Kevin Smith was hired to replace Norm Gagne as the boys hockey coach last week.

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