In 2017 the Windsor/Essex Sports Hall of Fame recognized the accomplishments of the Windsor AKO Junior Men’s Basketball Team. The coaches of those teams, Randy and Sam Sasso, were the architects of those championship clubs. In brotherly fashion, one handled the offense and the other the defense.

Borrowing from their accomplished playing days, the brothers understood the importance of adapting and dealt remarkably with roster turnover from year to-year.

The Sasso-led teams accomplished an impressive run of championship seasons. AKO won six consecutive Canadian championships from 1974 to 1979. AKO was the only team to win the E.W. Bowering Trophy, emblematic of the Canadian Junior Men’s Basketball Champions. The first five teams went undefeated in the Ontario and Canadian Championships, and the 1979 team had only one loss.

As a result of AKO winning six consecutive titles and utter dominance, provincial rivals backed out. Simply, it was felt AKO was too strong.

Players who achieved local, national and international success under the tutelage of the Sasso brothers include Duane Matthews OCAA Player of the Year, Stan Korosec, University of Windsor All Canadian and Hall of Fame, and Phil Hermanutz Windsor OUA All Star.

In 1979, Sam and Randy were named Kinsmen Sportsmen of the Year.

In addition to leading outstanding AKO teams, both brothers dedicated countless hours coaching and mentoring young athletes. Randy throughout his career coached elementary, secondary and university teams and coached over 700 games which included tournament and city championships as well as regional and provincial championships. Sam in addition to skillfully leading AKO, spent over three decades coaching basketball at Ursuline College. When not on the basketball court, Sam served as an International Volleyball Referee, officiating at provincial and national championships.

The Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to induct Randy and Sam Sasso into the Builders category for their coaching mastery.