Zach Johnson resigns as Northwood basketball coach, replaced by Christian Manalo

Zach Johnson (second from left) replaced Tim O’Brien (far left) last November. Among the other assistants were Jamal Johnson and Mel Miranda. (Photo courtesy Northwood basketball, Mia Fujii)

Northwood High School’s boys basketball coach Zach Johnson said Saturday he resigned after the Timberwolves wrapped up their season on Friday, May 28.

Johnson was named in November as interim coach to replace the legendary coach at Northwood Tim O’Brien, who died last October after a battle with cancer.

“I resigned as Northwood head coach,” Johnson said Saturday. “I resigned after our second round CIF loss against Knight. I plan to coach again somewhere. I am excited for the future.” 

Northwood finished 7-6 overall in the delayed and abbreviated season, winding up 6-4 and in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League. The Timberwolves captured their CIF playoff opener over Ocean View 63-48 before losing to Knight 64-50 in the second round.

Families of the basketball program were notified Friday that Christian Manalo has been named the new head coach, according to Brandon Emery, co-athletic director at Northwood.

“Coach Manalo enters his seventh year of coaching boys’ basketball and his third season as a head coach,” according to the statement. “He began his coaching career at his alma mater of Diamond Bar High School as an associate head coach. He later transitioned to Foothill High School as an assistant before his head coaching opportunity at Southlands Christian High School. Coach Manalo has experience in the CIF playoffs with multiple appearances and league titles as a coach.

“Coach Manalo is involved with the high school and AAU realms of basketball with various programs, while assisting with individual training, team practices, and camps. Additionally, he is a physical education teacher at Legacy Magnet Academy in Tustin and will be entering his third year of teaching overall. Coach Manalo is not only excited to make an impact on the boys’ basketball program, but also the community. He is looking forward to building strong relationships with those associated with Northwood High School to continue the long tradition of respect and dedication to the sport that the Timberwolves have exemplified.”

The Timberwolves new coach also releaed a statement to the Northwood families.

“It is my honor to be a part of this school, community and basketball program,” he said. “I understand the tradition that this school has and will do my best to approach each day with passion, energy, and effort. My goal is to build strong relationships with not only the players but with the community, as I come from experiences that emphasizes a family feel. 

“The coaching staff will expect each player to give it their all each day for their teammates in order to be proud to represent Northwood basketball. Not only will that be expected of the players but also the coaching staff.  Our goal is to approach each day with a purpose to work towards success every season so that our community is proud of our fellow Timberwolves.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com