Mario Mengarelli's Resignation Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Mario Mengarelli, the controversial previous coach of Zillah High School Boys Basketball, has been replaced by Jared Ellis, a 2016 graduate and key guard on the legendary undefeated 2014 state championship team.

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Mario Mengarelli

Mario Mengarelli had been investigated by a third-party entity hired by the school over a list of hazing allegations. After word of the investigation leaked, public pressure and requests for records led Mario Mengarelli to step down in June 2026.

Mengarelli had achieved a 91% winning rate with his team and led them to win three state titles over ten different seasons.

a person holding a basketball up in the air — Photo by Abhay siby Mathew on Unsplash

Allegations

A 50-page report was released to the public in July 2026 after investigator Michael Shay interviewed more than 30 school personnel, parents, and players, unveiling shocking activities considered "substantiated in part.

In February of 2026, at Mengarelli’s home, players did a free-throw shooting drill where they wore dog shock collars on either their ankles, arms, or necks. If they missed a shot, they were shocked. While many players downplayed the incident, one player said the pain was 7/10. Mengarelli also partook in airsoft matches with his players, and a picture has been released of him chasing them with a BB gun.

More shockingly, Mengarelli is accused of throwing live crabs into players' tents while they were sleeping at away games and engaging in wrestling matches with his students where painful pressure points and joint manipulation were used.

Many students refused to share details due to a culture of silence, with one student reporting he didn't share details with his parents for fear of a reduction in his standing on the team.

Although these were major policy violations, they do not amount to crimes.