Two days after leading Newton North to the Division 1 state basketball finals, Paul Connolly announced he is stepping down as boys basketball coach after an extremely successful 24-year run.

In a text message to the Boston Herald, Connolly confirmed the rumor and said it was time to turn the page.

“It’s been a great run and I’ve been blessed to have coached so many terrific student-athletes,” said Connolly, who finished with 456 wins. “Thank you to all my former players and coaches. GO TIGERS.”

Connolly took over the program in 2000 and led the program to unchartered heights. His 2005 and 2006 teams led by Herald Dream Teamers Anthony Gurley and Corey Lowe went on to win the school’s first two state championships and the 2006 team ended the season ranked 18th in the country.

While Newton North didn’t win another state title, the Tigers were always in the mix, a team few wanted to draw in the postseason.

“I think he checks all the boxed as to what makes good coaches good coaches,” said Mansfield’s Mike Vaughan. “He’s intense, he demands the respect of his kids and he gets it. He knows the game and prepares his players to play at a high level.”

Prior to Newton North, Connolly spent four years as an assistant at Norwood and three more at St. Patrick’s. He also served as an associate head coach at Emerson College for six years and was part of four GNAC titles.