Fierce was founded in January of 2016 by Scott Lipow, after he had coached various AAU clubs and travel programs throughout Connecticut. Outside of Fierce, Scott is currently the head coach for Fairfield Woods Middle School in Fairfield, CT. Scott is also the Basketball Coordinator at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club - Southport Clubhouse and in this role runs all basketball programming, both in-house and travel. He is a Wisconsin Badger and has benefited from being a super fan of their fundamental Big Ten teams over the years.
Scott owns a marketing agency — Six7 Marketing — that is based here in the Fairfield County area. Striving for achievement outside of basketball sets us apart from other programs. We care about the entire development of your child. For Scott, there is no better feeling than watching a group of young men reach their full potential and truly come together as a team.
Matt was a multiple sport athlete throughout his youth. He played varsity basketball at Norwalk High School and played football at the collegiate level. He continues to be a sports enthusiast and has found passion in coaching. Matt enjoys passing on his knowledge and love for the game of basketball by mentoring and developing young athletes. He brings a structured and motivating coaching style for players to excel, and cultivates strong work ethics that are valuable on and off the court.
John started his basketball career playing at Brooklyn Powerhouse Boys and Girls High School. He went on to play JUCO basketball at Columbia-Greene and Mohawk Valley Community College, where he was named All-America in 1999. John concluded his college years playing for Dowling College; where he lead the basketball team to the Division II NCAA tournament. John Redding continues to hold the top ten all time in points per game, field goals made and attempted, and steals for Dowling College. John began coaching inner-city youth in his home town of New York City and continues to coach middle school students in varied cities throughout Connecticut; with a total of 10 years in coaching.
Ricot has been a sports enthusiast his entire life, but basketball has been his favorite sport. Ricot was a two year varsity basketball starter for Trumbull High School and since then has continued to play in men's leagues. He has experience coaching various Summer, AAU and Recreational teams. Ricot enjoys coaching youth sports leagues (basketball & baseball) as he believes that learning the fundamentals at a young age leads to a well-rounded player and sets the kids up for success.
Darren is a current boys basketball assistant coach at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. He was also a varsity captain at Ludlowe back in 2015, helping lead the Falcons to the schools first FCIAC Division Title. Darren now coaches with an emphasis on teaching players correct defensive positioning, offensive spacing and movement without the ball. Darren coaches to help prepare players for the expectations, speed and physicality that they can expect at the high school varsity level.
Matt played 4 years of Division III college basketball at Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut. Since his playing days, Matt has coached 5 years of High School Freshman basketball and as an assistant to the Varsity Head Coach. He has also coached 5 years youth travel in Westport. Matt has been with the Fairfield Fierce since the Spring ’17 season. In the fall ’18 season, he led our 8th grade team to the Zero Gravity War on the Floor Tournament Championship. Matt has a Masters in Physical Education, was a special education teacher in Milford for many years, and has recently become a Federal Correctional Officer!
Jon played basketball at Bunnell High School in Stratford, CT and was a member of the team’s first Southwest Conference Championship. Jon began coaching at Green Farms Academy while he was earning his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University. His final project for undergrad looked at communication between teammates on the basketball court and how it leads to their success. Jon continues his love for sports every day as he oversees the Club and Intramural Sports at Fairfield University. Jon completed his Masters in Communication in December 2019 which is why communication is always one of his main focuses with his players.
Laurence is a middle school teacher for grades 7 and 8 at Capital Preparatory School in Bridgeport, CT. In this capacity, Laurence started and coached the first middle school basketball team at Capital Preparatory. He also organized the first annual Faculty versus Student basketball game on March 9, 2018. Laurence has coached with the Fierce program since the spring 2019 season.
Jacob recently graduated from the University of Delaware. He has experience as a practice player with his college’s Division I Women’s basketball team and Men’s Club team. Jacob grew up playing AAU basketball in and around Connecticut, and has been watching the game his entire life. Jacob uses his passion and love for basketball to fuel his coaching style.