grew immensely from year-to-year under Pope. Mrs Barcello, in fact, credits Pope w saving her son.
Though it involved two different schools — Jake Toolson is another such example standing as a stark repudiation of your claim.
Mark Pope has proven in his relatively short career as HC — that he's not only remarkable as a builder, developer & mentor of both neglected & overlooked talent. He's also proven he's a very capable salvager of young men.