Camp Instructors

Aaron Young


Coach Aaron Young was born and raised in Oklahoma, graduating from Edmond Memorial HS in 2013. He played on two 6A State Championship basketball teams and one 6A State Runner-up team. He also ran track at Edmond Memorial High School. The son of Rick and LaSonya Young, his dad is in the Shawnee Basketball Hall of Fame.

He then went on to be a three-year letterwinner at Oral Roberts. He played in 90 games for coach Scott Sutton, averaging more than six points and 1.5 assists per game. He finished his career with more than 100 made 3-pointers and ranked third for the Golden Eagles in career 3-point percentage at 41.5 percent. He had a career-high 29 points at Denver in January. In 2017, he earned his Bachelor of Science in sport and fitness administration/management, while also served on SAAC and was in the NASCAR Sports Marketing Program.

Young spent the last three years coaching at the high school level, including working with Team Buddy Buckets, a 16U team sponsored by the NBA Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield. He was also the assistant basketball coach at his high school alma mater Edmond Memorial (Okla.) for four years.

Young played a season in the German Regionalliga before the pandemic halted his playing career in 2020. He then spent 2 years as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Colorado State University where he had a hand in all aspects of the program including player development. This past season Young was back in Oklahoma as a coach at Edmond Santa Fe HS.


Abe Woldeslassie

Coach Woldeslassie is in his sixth season as the head coach of the men’s basketball team at Macalester College, his alma mater. 

Previously, Woldeslassie was an assistant coach at Siena College for two years, and prior to Siena, he served as the director of basketball operations at Davidson College. While at Davidson, the Wildcats posted 20-win campaigns and advanced to national postseason tournaments in each of his three seasons there. Before Davidson, he was the director of basketball operations at Dartmouth College. His coaching career started at Bowdoin College, where he was an assistant for two years.
 
A native of Minneapolis, Woldeslassie attended St. Thomas Academy, where he was an all-conference player and team co-MVP in 2004. He then played two seasons at Macalester where he was a two-time, All-MIAC guard and led the conference in assists both seasons. In 50 career games, Woldeslassie averaged 17.2 points and 5.4 assists per game while totaling 858 points. He graduated in 2008 with a degree in sociology.

Since 2010, Woldeslassie has helped develop student-athletes who have played professionally in Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and Uruguay.

He also serves on the Board of Directors for MinneapolisNEXT, which provides need-based high school scholarships for youth in the Twin Cities. He also serves as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Region 9 chairman.


Adam Hepker

Adam Hepker returns to MNU after five years as an assistant from 2010-15. A 2008 graduate of MNU, Hepker spent a year and a half playing professionally overseas and in the United States.

As a player, Hepker was the starting point guard for Coach Lamar from 2004 - 2008. The Pioneers qualified for the national tournament in each of his four years, advancing to the Final Four three times and winning the National Championship in 2007. Hepker earned All-America honors his sophomore, junior, and senior year, and was MVP of the National Tournament in 2007. He was named the Conference Player of the Year in 2007 & 2008, a Champion of Character Award winner, and was a two-time NAIA-Daktroncis Scholar-Athlete. He was elected to the MNU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
 
Ottawa University of Arizona (2017-2021): Hepker spent four seasons as the lead assistant coach for the OUAZ men's basketball program after taking the position to help build the program before the start of the 2017-18 season. Hepker is no stranger to the NAIA having spent 14 seasons as a coach or a player within the national organization. During that time, Hepker teams have reached the NAIA National Championship eight times.
 
OUAZ won 44 games during Hepker’s four seasons on the Spirit bench. He was the acting head coach in the Spirit’s 96-68 upset of ninth-ranked The Master’s in January of 2021 and he helped game plan for three wins over nationally ranked teams during the 2019-20 season, including a road win at No. 7 The Master's that snapped the Mustangs 47-game home court winning streak.
 
Grand View (2015-17): Hepker spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Grand View where the Vikings tallied a record of 35-27. The 2016-17 squad reached the NAIA National Championship and finished 20-11 for its first 20-win season in six years. The Vikings averaged 83 points per game over the two seasons with Hepker on the bench, including finishing 15th in the NAIA at 85.1 points per game in 2016-17.

MidAmerica Nazarene (2010-15): Before moving to Grand View, Hepker spent five seasons as an assistant coach alongside current OUAZ head coach Matt Keeley for Rocky Lamar at MidAmerica Nazarene. The Pioneers won 102 games and reached three NAIA National Championships during that time, including a trip to the quarterfinals and another to the Fab Four. Hepker coached at least one All-American in each of his five seasons at MNU.
 
As a player, Hepker was a four-year starter at MNU from 2004-2008. During those four years, MNU won 115 games and made four trips to the NAIA National Championship. Those runs included three straight trips to the Fab Four and winning the 2007 title with Hepker being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Hepker was a Second Team All-American as a sophomore and a First Team All-American as a junior and senior, as well the Heart of America Conference Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons.

Hepker would continue his playing career professionally overseas for the Cocoon Baskets Weiden in Weiden, Germany for one season in 2008-2009.
 
Hepker graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene in 2008 with a degree in History and Government Education. He lives in Olathe with his wife Amy and three children: Brenley, Brooklyn, Bryson.
 


Adam Hocking

Adam Hocking was promoted to head coach of the Clarke University women's basketball in the spring of 2023 after eight years as assistant and head men's golf coach at Clarke. He helped guide the Pride to five-straight NAIA Tournament appearances, back-to-back quarterfinal trips in 2019 and 2021, and the NAIA Championship in 2023. Hocking was a named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2021-22 season.

He came to Clarke from Edgewood College, where he served as assistant women's basketball coach from 2013-2015. Prior to Edgewood, Hocking served as head varsity girls' basketball coach at Southwestern High School from 2011-2013. 

Hocking currently coaches with the Tri-State Frenzy Girls AAU Basketball Program, and he previously coached AAU Girls Basketball with Wisconsin Hoops Select, Iowa Team Fury and Wisconsin Swing (2010-2015). Hocking has been an offseason player development camp director with Midwest Elite Basketball since 2013.

Hocking played collegiate football and baseball at University of Dubuque (2010-2013) and at Iowa Wesleyan (2009-2010). Hocking earned his bachelor degree in health, wellness & recreation from the University of Dubuque and his masters degree in education from Edgewood College. A product of Galena High School, Hocking earned all-conference and all-area honors in baseball, basketball, football and track.



Adam Short

Central Missouri officially announced Adam Short as a Mules Basketball Assistant Coach in November, 2020.

Short came to UCM after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant with State Fair Community College.

Before State Fair, Short spent the 2014-15 season at fellow Region 16 member Missouri State University-West Plains, where he served as an assistant basketball coach. Five Grizzles moved on to play at the Division 1 level.  Along with being the assistant coach, Short oversaw the academic affairs for the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs. 


Alex Ward-Hibbert


Alex Ward-Hibbert, formerly Alex Haley, a Libertyville High School native, showcased her basketball prowess as she donned the Wildcats’ jersey from 2008 to 2012. During her exceptional tenure at Libertyville, she played an instrumental role in leading the Wildcats to three consecutive conference championships. Her stellar performances earned her well-deserved recognition with All-Conference and All-Area honors, solidifying her status as a standout athlete.

Alex Ward-Hibbert, a prominent figure in the world of basketball, brings a wealth of experience and a profound passion for the game. As a former college scholarship player at Minot State and Lindenwood University, she showcased a multifaceted skill set that made a significant impact on the court. Alex was widely recognized for her exceptional offensive abilities, earning her the distinguished title of Best Offensive Player at Minot State. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in leading Lindenwood University to their first-ever conference tournament semi-final appearance in 2017, further solidifying her impact as a leader and player.

Her defensive tenacity was unparalleled, often disrupting opponents’ plays and showcasing a relentless defensive mindset. Alex’s playing style was characterized by her intense determination and grit, traits that translated into her on-court presence. Renowned for her versatile skills, she was a formidable force on both ends of the court. Her defensive prowess was complemented by an aggressive offensive mindset, particularly known for her midrange game, demonstrating an impressive scoring ability that added a layer of dynamism to her team’s play.

Her journey continued as she transitioned into the professional sphere, honing her abilities in England’s basketball scene. Over the course of four illustrious years, Alex secured two championship victories in the WBBL, solidifying her reputation as a standout player. Her exceptional performance, averaging an impressive 30 points per game in the NBL Division 2 league, led her to clinch the runner-up spot for MVP in the league. Notably, during her professional playing career, Alex simultaneously coached for Charnwood Academy, the nation’s top academy program, aiding players in reaching their dreams of playing in college.

Eager to share her knowledge and contribute to the sport’s development, Alex assumed the esteemed head coaching position at the University of Oxford. Her dedication and expertise guided her team to remarkable achievements during her tenure, including the university’s most winningest season in 10 years. Under her leadership, the team not only excelled on the court but also fostered a culture of growth, discipline, and camaraderie.

Driven by a profound desire to give back to her roots and community, Alex decided to embark on a transformative journey. Fueled by her dream of introducing top-tier basketball programs to her hometown, she returned to lay the foundation for a new era of the sport.

Now, as the visionary leader behind Take Over Basketball, Alex Ward-Hibbert is committed to nurturing talent, fostering a love for the game, and instilling values of teamwork and dedication in aspiring athletes. Her unwavering dedication to basketball and her community continues to inspire and uplift those around her.


Alexander Hobbs

Alex Hobbs is currently an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach for Carroll College. A native of Houston, Texas, Hobbs was a standout guard at Boise State University after an impressive prep career. Upon graduation, he played one year professionally overseas in Germany. In his one season of play, Hobbs led the league in scoring and was named First Team All-Import.
 
Hobbs was a four-year letterman at La Porte High School (TX), where he was once named Second Team All-District, and three times named First Team All-District. In 2015 he was the district Offensive Player of the Year and named to the All-Region team. In 2016, Hobbs was the district MVP, All-Region team, and an All-State selection. At the time of his graduation, he was the No. 24 all-time leading scorer in Texas high school basketball history.
 
As a Boise State Bronco, Hobbs finished his career as a member of the Broncos' 1,000-point club. In 2018, he was named the Mountain West Conference's Sixth Man of the Year, and was named an All-Conference performer in 2019. 


Alexander Wright

Alexander "POPS"Wright Jr. was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Coach Wright played four years of college basketball and graduated with a degree in business administration at Edward Waters College located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Alexander played professional basketball in the United States and abroad for 11 years with The Harlem Globetrotters, Jacksonville Giants, Neu-Ulm Raptors (Germany) and The Harlem Ambassadors.

He is a certified Personal Trainer, Basketball Skill Development Trainer, Youth Mentorand has his USA Basketball Coaching License.


Alexis Foley

Alexis Foley begins her third year as an assistant coach for the UW-Stout women's program with the 2020-21 season.
 
A 2016 graduate of Winona State, Foley joins the Blue Devils after the 2017-18 season as a graduate assistant for the Warriors, getting her masters degree in Educational Leadership. Foley obtained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Math.
 
Foley was a dynamic guard for the Warriors in 2014-16. As a senior, she averaged 15 points and 4 assists per game and led the Warriors to the best record in program history of 30-4; That same year, the WSU women also won their first NSIC Conference Championship.
 
Her career achievements on the basketball court include: All-NSIC First Team, NSIC All-Tournament Team, All-Region Second Team, and WBCA All-American Honorable Mention. She was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team in 2016.
 
Foley transferred to Winona State in 2014 for her junior season (2014-15). She led the team with 11 points and 3 assists per game and was named to the All-NSIC Second Team. Alexis attended Illinois State University for the first two years of her collegiate career where she played in 57 games and started 34 of them.


Andrea Mize

Andrea "Drea" Mize begins her fourth season as the head coach of the Lincoln women's basketball team in 2023-24.Mize enjoyed her best season yet in 2022-23, leading Lincoln to its best conference record since 2014-15. The Blue Tigers won their most games yet in a season under Mize, and their most games inside Jason Gym since 2018-19.
 
Mize spent the previous two years as the head coach at Central Florida College, where she led the Patriots to 31 victories and a berth in the FCSAA State/NJCAA District tournament.  The Patriots also improved in nearly every statistical category over the past two seasons, including on offense, where CFC went from average 62.6 points per game before Mize arrived to averaging 74.3 points 
 
Prior to taking over at Central Florida College, Mize was an assistant coach at Martin Methodist College for three seasons, helping the RedHawks reach the NAIA national tournament each season. In 2017-18, Mize helped MMC win its first-ever regular season conference championship, and she helped the program twice reach the finals of the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament.
 
Mize coached the Indiana Flight AAU team for four years and had her own basketball training company for three years. Mize spent three seasons as a player at NCAA Division I Indiana University, where she played for Curt Miller, the current head coach of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, and graduated from IU in 2015.
 


Annie Isler

  • Current Women's Basketball Assistant Coach & Assistant Information Sports Director at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota
  • A state champion player at Hopkins High School in Minneapolis, Isler was a four-year letter winner at Carleton and ranks among the program’s leaders in career assists and steals. She earned All-MIAC honorable mention in 2008 after leading the Knights to an NCAA Championships appearance
  • Isler spent three seasons on staff with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx serving as video coordinator and player development associate. 
  • Worked on the basketball staffs at four NCAA Division I programs: the University of Memphis, University of North Dakota, Illinois State University, and Marquette University. Her previous coaching experience also includes time at Ohio Wesleyan University (D-III) as well as multiple stints at Hopkins High School


Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon is currently an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development at Kentucky Christian University 

He is the owner & skills trainer at The Next Level Athlete 

Gordon has 18 years of coaching experience, including 10 years varsity basketball experience , 6 years  of youth and middle school experience, 15 years of skills training and player development 


Arin Wade

Arin Wade was born and raised in Annapolis, MD where he attended South River High school, playing on the school basketball team (2007-2010)

Wade was invited to the USA 365 Sports Jr. Olympic team in Switzerland (2009).  Upon graduation in 2010, Arin played 4 years of college basketball for Mount Aloysius College and graduated with a bachelors in Professional Studies, minoring in Sports Management.

Following his college career, Arin became the Mount Aloysius Women's Assistant Coach (2016-2017) followed by the Mount Aloysius Men's Assistant Coach (2017-2019) and
Penn State Altoona Men’s Assistant Coach and head coach for the JV team (2019-present).

Outside of coaching, Arin is a Skill Developer, working with players of all ages. 3 out of the his 4 years of coaching college basketball, Arin has had a player on his team that he's worked with win the Newcomer of the Year award in the conference.


Asia McKinley

Coach McKinley brings high-level basketball experience, having played professionally in Europe for 3 seasons (Hungary, Germany, and England). Before going to Europe, she played D-I basketball at the University of Arkansas, graduating in 2015. She holds a Master of Science from Marquette University in clinical mental health counseling, graduating in 2024. 

She understands the skills, determination, and mentality required to make your game stand out, and she has a passion for passing this on to up-and-coming players.

Coach McKinley is the former Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach for East High School in West Bend, WI, as well as the Owner of YoungStarzz player development and AAU organization in Wisconsin.


Aundrey Wright

  • Coach Wright has over 26 years of coaching experience, which includes 19 years at 7 different colleges and 7 years at the high school level. Wright has coached some of the world’s best athletes as a NIKE EYBL coach for Indy Heat Gym Rats AAU program over the last 5 years. Aundrey Wright is a man of high integrity; dedicated professionalism; demonstrated leader; a tireless worker and effective communicator; determined to motivate students to greatness at all levels. 

    • Currently serving on the staff at Top 5 State of Indiana ranked 4A Cathedral High School 
    • Served an integral role in leading University of Indianapolis to 6 straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2010 – 2016) 
    • Instrumental is helping Univ. of Indianapolis climb to as high at #1 in the nation during the 2014-2015 season 
    • Developed three All-American guards as an assistant at the University of Indianapolis (most recently 2019 NBA Champion Jordan Loyd of the Toronto Raptors) 
    • At Southern Illinois-Carbondale, instrumental is helping team secure an NIT bid and advance to the second round (to face Arizona State’s James Harden) 
    • At California University of PA, instrumental is earning co-champs of the PSAC and #16 nationally ranking 
    • At St. Louis CC – Meramec, developed All-American Mike Branson and advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament 
    • Additional camp coaching experience includes:  University of Kansas, University of Illinois, University of Oklahoma, St. Louis University, St. Mary’s College, Southwest Missouri State, Stephen Bardo Camp, Ballstar, Rich Falk Basketball Camp, Shoot 4 The Stars, and a variety of Breakthrough Basketball Camps 


Ayana McWilliams

Ayana McWilliams finished her first season as head coach of the Golden Eagles with plenty of success. LCCC made their deepest run in the Region IX tournament, making it to the semi-finals to cap off a 18-12 season. 

McWilliams comes to LCCC after spending four seasons as the head coach at Lincoln University, an NCAA Division II program, in Jefferson City, Mo. from 2016-2020. McWilliams coached Lincoln to its best start in program history in 2018-19 coaching the Blue Tigers to a 9-2 record in the first 11 games of the season. McWilliams guided the Blue Tigers to seven straight wins to open the season, including road wins over Southern Arkansas and Northwest Missouri.

Prior to Lincoln, McWilliams spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level at the University of South Carolina Upstate. While at USC-Upstate, McWilliams was part of a staff that led the Spartans to the best season program history, winning 22 games in 2015-16. During McWilliams time in Spartanburg, S.C., the Spartans made two trips to the post-season, reaching the WBI semifinals in 2016.

McWilliams started her playing career at East Carolina from 2001-2003 before transferring to Brevard College. While at Brevard, McWilliams became the program’s all-time leader in assists (296) and steals (288) while averaging 16.5 points per game, the second-highest scoring average in program history.

McWilliams earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Brevard College in 2005 and received a master’s degree in Sports Management/Sports Coaching from the United States Sports Academy.


BJ Watson

Coach Watson is entering his second year at Central Pointe Post Grad in Orlando, Florida as the Head Men's Basketball Coach.  Central Pointe Post Grad is one of the top post graduate programs in the country.

BJ spent his previous 5 years as an Assistant Coach for Park University where he graduated in 2017 after playing three years for the school.

Park University Men's Basketball Accomplishments: 
  • Participated in The National Tournament (2016 & 2017)
  • 3rd Team All-AMC Conference (2016)
  • 1st Team All-AMC Conference (2017)
  • Honorable Mention All-American (2017)
Other credentials:
  • BJ has been a demonstrator for multiple skill development videos for Breakthrough Basketball
  • Coach Watson was a 9th & 11th grade coach for Warrior Hoops where he organized and implemented practice plans, plays, along with team and parent meetings
  • During his college playing career he was a camp instructor for K - 8th grade groups to teach the essential fundamental skills on the court, as well as the importance of being a good person off


Brad Shaw

Shaw is currently a Men's Basketball Assistant Coach for the North Dakota State College of Science. 

Before starting at NDSCS, Shaw was at Dickinson State. Prior to his time at Dickinson, Shaw spent three seasons at Johnson & Wales University. During the 2015-2016 season, Shaw was an assistant at Miami University Hamilton in Ohio.

Shaw earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln working as a men's basketball student manager for the Cornhuskers under both Tim Miles and Doc Sadler from 2010-2015. That stretch includes an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.

Shaw is originally from Fargo, ND and graduated in 2010 from Fargo South High where he was an All-Conference selection as a senior and team captain.


Brandon Rollins

Southwestern Christian University announced Brandon Rollins as its new head men's basketball coach on June 4, 2019.

Rollins, an SCU alumnus, spent the past four seasons serving as an assistant coach at fellow Sooner Athletic Conference school Mid-America Christian.

At MACU, Rollins spent three seasons as an assistant coach before being elevated to associate head coach. Rollins helped the Evangels win their first NAIA Division I national championship in 2015-16.

Rollins served an assistant under former Eagle coach Quinn Wooldridge for one season at SCU before joining the MACU staff. Prior to beginning his college coaching career, Rollins spent a season as an assistant coach at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City.

As a player, Rollins attended Enid High School and graduated in 2009. He played four seasons at SCU and was a part of the Eagles first team to compete in the NAIA in 2010-11. Rollins graduated from SCU in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in behavioral science.


Brett McFall

Brett has been the Head Coach at Shawnee Mission South HS (Overland Park, KS) for the last 14 years.

Coach McFall has won over 200 games including an undefeated 5A State Championship in 2013 (25-0).

He has coached 65 Division 1 players over the past 18 years including one NBA Player (Willie Cauley-Stein of the Sacramento Kings) and 8 European Professionals.

Brett has worked with over 1,900 kids in clinics around the Kansas City area over the past 19 years.


Brianna Fehr

Brianna Fehr is from Calgary, AB. She has always had a passion for basketball, as she comes from a family of players/coaches and began playing the sport around 7 years old. She has been surrounded by incredible players and coaches her entire career, starting with her club team (Foundation Youth Basketball) and her High school team (St. Francis).

Following a 4A Provincials title in her grade 12 year, she played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, where they won 3 Canada West titles, 1 Canada West silver, 1 USport silver, and 1 National Championship in 4 years. She later played 1 year for the University of Alberta Pandas, where she is now in her second year as an assistant coach.

She was also a part-time assistant for the Olds College Broncos in 2022/23. She has experience coaching many elite-level camps, club teams, and collegiate teams.


Brice Searles

  • Coach Searles is a Breakthrough Basketball veteran, having been with us for the last 5 years! Brice is currently working for the Durango 9R School District in Durango, Colorado . He works at both Park Elementary and Florida Mesa Elementary Schools as a special education paraprofessional. Brice has worked in Special Education for over 22 years. He finds serving students and others with special needs very rewarding and fulfilling.  He also coaches at St. Columba Catholic School. 
  • Coach Searles does basketball clinics with Durango Parks and Recreation in Colorado
  • Brice spent 6 years with the Los Angeles Lakers Summer Youth Camps, 2 years at the Michael Jordan Flight School, Snow Valley Basketball School and University Of Colorado Summer Basketball Camps.
As a player, he attended Cabrillo Senior High School in Lompoc, California where he was the Northern Scoring Champion, 2nd Team All-C.I.F. and went on a scholarship to Gonzaga University back in 1977. 

He then transferred to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado for 1 year. He won the R.M.A.C. Scoring Championship at 25.0 pts. per game, was an All-District 7 1st Team leading that region in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. He was an All-American Honorable Mention in 1985.

Brice then went on to play in the Denver Pro Am league before playing professionally in Quito, Ecuador for 3 years with LaSalle and Liga Deportiva.  Coach Searles won the Ecuadorian League Scoring Title there averaging 39.5 points per game and has 3 international scoring records of 60 points twice and 72 points in a game. His team went on to win the Ecuadorian Championship and represented Ecuador in the South American Championship in Caracas, Venezuela.

Coach Searles has a lot of valued experience that he is willing to share with your campers.


Bridgeport Tusler

Tusler begins his first season at the helm of the Polars Women's Basketball team. He was hired as Crown's Head Women's Basketball Coach in August 2022. Bridge comes from a strong variety of basketball coaching positions and experiences prior to coming to Crown. He was on Macalester men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2021 after spending two seasons as the head boys basketball coach at Monticello High School. Bridge assisted the Macalester men's basketball program to the MIAC championship where they fell short to St. John's in the last couple of minutes. In his last year at Monticello, Tusler led Monticello to the 2021 3A state tournament as the 7th seed during the COVID 2021 year. 

Tusler graduated from Bethel University in 2018. He spent his freshman year at South Dakota State and was a member of the football team before transferring to Bethel. At Bethel, Tusler was a member of the basketball and football teams for four seasons. He was a four-year starter on the basketball team and helped the Royals win the 2016-17 MIAC championship. He also earned MIAC All-Rookie honors, was a three-time All-MIAC selection and was named to the MIAC All-Defensive team. 

Tusler graduated from Osseo High School in 2013. He was the starting point guard on the 2012 Class 4A state championship team. In football, Tusler was named the AP Player of the Year and Metro Player of the Year, and was chosen Mr. Football in 2012. He is married to Angie, who played at Maple Grove High School and Division I basketball at Northern Iowa. She is now a varsity assistant and JV head coach at Eden Prairie high school, as well as being the recruiting coordinator for the entire crossfire girls basketball program. Bridge and Angie coach Crossfire AAU in the spring and summer together.

Bridge and Angie live in Maple Grove Minnesota with their baby boy (Phenix) and their 3 dogs. (Kima, Bunk and Bodie)


Bryanna Raff


Bryanna Raff brings four years of coaching experience to youth and high school teams in Utah, ranging from elite-level teams to mid and lower competition teams. With a focus on fostering a culture of growth, development, and instilling a championship mindset, Coach Bry has become a driving force in Utah's basketball community.

As a Certified Mental Game Coach, she operates Coach Bry Training, a venture dedicated to helping athletes conquer mental and physical barriers, propelling them to elevate their game. Coach Bry works closely with individuals and teams, collaborating with high schools in Utah Valley to enhance and improve their mental performance on and off the court. Additionally, she is a proficient basketball skills trainer, equipping athletes with the tools needed to maximize their potential and become highly skilled players.

Beyond the court, Coach Bry is fueled by a passion for helping athletes, especially those in basketball, acquire valuable life skills through their sporting endeavors.

Coach Bry graduated from Lehi High School, where she played basketball and volleyball. Notably, she was a pivotal part of the Volleyball Runner-Up State Champion team in 2014 and the Volleyball State Champion team in 2015. Throughout high school, Bry played elite competitive basketball for UC Schapers and then Utah Flash, traveling across the midwest playing in multiple different tournaments. Her collegiate career at Southern Oregon University (SOU) was marked by two NAIA DII national tournament appearances and a place on the Academic All-Cascade Conference team. In 2020, she proudly graduated from SOU with a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education, accompanied by a Psychology Minor.

Coach Bry's commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, reflects her dedication to empowering athletes and shaping their holistic development. She is excited to be a part of Breakthrough Basketball!"


Cameron Hunter



Cameron Hunter was a three year starter and two year captain at Olathe East High School. He helped lead the Hawks to a three state appearances including placing 4th his junior year and 3rd his senior year. He received honorable mention and beat the single season assist record his senior year.

He went on to play at North Dakota State University (D1). He redshirted his freshman year and used that time to study and learn the game at a high level. His sophomore through senior year, he made two NCAA appearances and won two league titles. He was named Newcomer of the Year his sophomore year and honorable mention his senior year.

He then attended University of Central Missouri (D2) where he played two years and brought the program back to the conference tournament both years and also earned honorable mention. He graduated with a Communications Degree and a Psychology and Sociology minor.

Cameron has been with Breakthrough Basketball as assistant coach for over four years before earning the much deserved title of Lead Clinician. He has been taught and mentored by some of the best coaches in the world while also traveling and being able to help hundreds of kids be the best person and player they can be.


Carl Scales

Coach Scales has been working Breakthrough Basketball camps for the past three years. Carl brings many years of experience including:

  • Girls’ Varsity Assistant (2000-2005) - Hopkins High School, Hopkins MN.  Helped them to 4 consecutive state tournaments, including their first state championship in 2004
  • Boys’ Varsity Assistant (2006-2012) - Eastview High School, Apple Valley MN.  Helped them to 4 section final games and 2 state tournament berths, 2010 and 2012
  • 15 years of AAU/TRAVEL Basketball Head Coach:  Girls - MN Metro Stars & MN Fury.  Boys - MN Magic, Richfield Select
  • Director of Summer Camps and Clinics for the Richfield Boys Basketball Association

Carl has coached with and trained numerous players who have gone on to play college basketball from the D1 level to NAIA.  He prides himself in providing sound instruction, his ability to communicate and convey the intricacies of the game, and create an energetic and challenging environment for basketball players to thrive and improve.



Carlotta Kloppenburg-Pruitt

On May 20, 2021, Southern Oregon University Director of Athletics Matt Sayre identified a rising star in women's college basketball to lead the Raiders: Carlotta Kloppenburg-Pruitt, who became the 14th head coach in program history after three years as an assistant at San José State University.

At SJSU, Kloppenburg-Pruitt served as recruiting coordinator and was responsible for implementing defensive schemes, developing post players, and composing scouting reports. In 2019-20, her second season on staff, the Spartans had the greatest single-season win turnaround in the country, going from 6-24 to 19-12.

Kloppenburg-Pruitt – a 2014 graduate of Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.), where she competed for two seasons and earned a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science – made a few stops on her quick ascent to SJSU. Her coaching career started in the WNBA, where she was a basketball operations intern with the Tulsa Shock in 2012 and '13 and a coaching intern for the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever in '14 and '15.

At Winthrop University (S.C.), where she obtained a master's degree in sports fitness and administration, she was a graduate assistant/video coordinator (2014-15) before being elevated to assistant coach (2015-16). From 2016-18, she joined Arizona State's staff as the assistant director of basketball operations and assistant recruiting coordinator.

Kloppenburg-Pruitt was a two-time Academic All-PacWest honoree at PLNU. She competed in her first two seasons at Ventura College (Calif.), where she was the school's Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2012.

She's also part of an impressive basketball lineage. Her father, Gary Kloppenburg, has been an assistant in the WNBA since 2000 and was the interim head coach for the 2020 Seattle Storm team that won the WNBA championship. Her grandfather, Bob Kloppenburg, was a coach in the NBA for 17 years.


Charlie Miller

• 1990 – 1994: Lettered all 4 years for varsity basketball team at South Miami 
H.S. Leading scorer in the state of Florida senior year averaging 32 points per game.

• 1994: Selected as a McDonald’s All-American. In the same year selected to play in 
Magic Johnson’s Roundball Classic, a national high school all-star game.

• 1994: Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year. The player chosen for this award is 
evaluated and selected on the basis of outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of 
academic achievement and exemplary personal character demonstrated within and 
beyond competitive athletics.

• 1995: Represented the United States in basketball at the Junior Olympics in Athens, 
Greece.

• 1994 – 1998: Accepted Scholarship to play at Indiana University at Bloomington under 
legendary Coach Robert Montgomery Knight. Played all 4 years and graduated with a 
B.S. degree.

• 1998 – 2004: Played basketball professionally across Europe and in the U.S.


Chris Barnette

Hailing from Raleigh, NC, Chris Barnette honed his skills at Ravenscroft School, emerging as a standout player with 1st team all-state honors and securing the conference player of the year title in his senior year. Outside of High School ball, Chris further developed his skills with an AAU team, the NC Runnin’ Rebels, significantly increasing his visibility among college coaches, resulting in multiple Division 2 offers along with an offer from a Division 1 program.

His collegiate career saw him making impactful strides across different divisions. Starting at NCAA Division 2's Mars Hill University in Asheville, NC, Chris showcased his talents by earning a spot in the starting lineup halfway through his freshman season. Transitioning to NCAA Division 3's Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, he not only amassed over 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, and 300 assists but also secured impressive 3rd, 2nd, and 1st team all-conference honors over three stellar seasons, culminating in a Sports Management degree upon graduation.

Chris took advantage of his extra Covid year by playing at NCCAA Division 2's Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. There, Chris earned accolades including 1st team all-conference and 1st team All-American. Chris’s basketball journey is a testament to God’s hand in his life, his dedication on the court, and all the amazing coaches and people who have helped him along the way. 

Presently situated in the Ankeny area alongside his wife Janet, Chris is deeply involved in the basketball scene. As the Graduate Assistant for the men's basketball team at Faith Baptist Bible College, he's pursuing a master's degree while also serving as a local basketball trainer, sharing his expertise and passion for the game with aspiring athletes.

Beyond basketball, Chris has a passion for adventure, and his enthusiasm for sports extends far beyond the court, enriching his life both personally and professionally. Chris has years of playing, personal training, and camp coaching experience and is excited to be working with Breakthrough Basketball where he can further his passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential on and off of the court.


Chris Hamilton

 

Chris Hamilton became the new head coach of the Franklin College men's basketball program on Apr. 27, 2022.

A veteran at the Division III level as both a coach and a player, Hamilton comes to Franklin following a four-year tenure at Nebraska Wesleyan University under two-time NCAA DIII Coach of the Year Dale Wellman.

During his time on the Nebraska Wesleyan bench, the Prairie Wolves went 69-21 with a 43-15 record in American Rivers Conference (ARC) play, winning the league's regular season and conference tournament championships in 2018-19 and 2019-20 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Prairie Wolves finished atop Division III in offensive efficiency in 2019 and 2020, and ranked in the top-10 in field goal percentage defense in 2021. In addition to his coaching duties, Hamilton also served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, working primarily with both basketball and soccer programs.

Hamilton began his college basketball career at Division III powerhouse Randolph-Macon College, first as a player from 2011-15 and then as an assistant coach from 2016-18. 

As a player, he helped the Yellow Jackets to a 90-27 record over his four years with two conference regular season and conference tournament titles each. He ended his time on the roster with the sixth-most three-pointers in program history at 171 and was a 43.5% shooter from deep. A two-time academic all-conference selection, Hamilton earned his bachelor's degree in Business/Economics from Randolph-Macon in 2015.

He began his coaching career at Division I Mount St. Mary's as a graduate assistant in 2015-16, where he completed his Master of Science degree in Sports Management. 


Chris Oliver


Chris Oliver is the founder of basketballimmersion.com and The Basketball Podcast with Chris Oliver basketballimmersion.com/podcast/
 
As an expert in basketball decision training, he coaches, trains and mentors, coaches maximize their players' potential and enjoyment of practices and games.
 
What he is most passionate about in his work is sharing evidence based coaching ideas that can stimulate your coaching to get better results.The goal is to improve your player retention and transfer of the things you teach to performance. You can learn more about concepts like messy learning, constraints based coaching, maximizing active learning time, adding decision-making to drills, and much more in the numerous blogs he shares at basketballimmersion.com/category/blog/
 
After coaching for over 20 years, completing his Master’s degree, travelling to globe to watch NCAA, NBA and Pro teams from around the world, Chris saw the need for more education on a games approach to coaching basketball and training methods to support this. He created Basketball Decision Training (BDT), to bridge the gap between skill development and game applications of those skills.
 
Chris also shares his games approach to coaching, practical evidence based drills and decision training concepts openly through in person, and online learning. All of these concepts have been taught globally through online sharing, camps, clinics, private mentoring and consulting with individual coaching and teams’ staffs. Chris has travelled to Sweden, Australia and New Zealand to spread his ideas. He has also spoken at major coaching clinics in the United States, including the Florida Clinic, Coaching U, the Tasman Clinic, the Rising Coaches Clinic, as well as a number of state coaching association clinics.


Christian Hildebrandt


2018-Present: Associate Head Coach at NCAA Division 2 William Jewell College in Liberty, MO.

2016-2018: Graduate Assistant at NAIA Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. 

2015-2016: Assistant Coach at NCAA Division 2 William Jewell College in Liberty, MO.

2014-2015: Played senior year of college basketball at NCAA Division 2 William Jewell College.  Was a team captain.

2013-2014: Played junior year of college basketball at NCAA Division 1 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas.

2011-2013: Played freshman and sophomore year at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.  Was an All-Conference and All-Region player and the 11th player in school history to join the 1,000 point club as well as a team captain both years.

Coach Hildebrandt prepped at Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Missouri where he was an All-State player and a member of the 1,000 point club.  He was also named as a team captain

Christian has worked with Breakthrough Basketball for 8 years.

Coach has his Bachelor's in Sport’s Management and his Masters in Education.



Collin Ralko


Collin is a Certified Canada Basketball Coach (Train2Train) & in training of his Train 2 Compete. He has coached at various programs at the post-secondary level where he was an assistant coach with St. Mary’s University in Calgary for 2 years winning an ACAC silver medal with a trip to the CCAA national tournament. Additionally, he was the head coach of Olds College for a season. Collin is passionately committed to empowering athletes both on & off the court to give them the greatest opportunity at being the best they can be. 

In addition to coaching at the post-secondary level with St. Mary's University he has also played at the post-secondary level as a captain with Medicine Hat College. Accolades through his coaching & player career include 1 bronze medal & 3 silver medals in the ACAC league, with 2 trips to the CCAA national tournament. He was amongst the top 3pt shooters in the country in 2017 (45.7%). Other coaching opportunities Collin has been involved with since his playing career includes various high school, club, and local provincial level teams in Central & Southern Alberta such as the Alberta Summer Games team in 2023. Rounding out his background, Collin hold's B.Ed degree with focus in kinesiology as he currently works in the fitness & training industry. Collin is grateful for what basketball has brought & taught him in his life & seeks to spread its positive impact it can have in all aspects of life.


Corey Laster

Laster has been a collegiate coach for the last 20 years, dating back to 2000 where he started his career at his alma mater, Taylor University (NAIA) in Indiana. Laster ran a successful program at Taylor from 00'-03' (51-31). After Taylor University, Corey moved up to the NCAA DII level where he became an assistant coach for Saint Michaels College in Vermont from 03'-05'. Coach Laster was then able to take over his own program in the NCAA DIII level at Defiance College in Ohio from 05'-07'.

From 07'-10' Corey Laster took the assistant coaching position at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, a NCAA DI level university. Wanting to become a head coach once again, Laster claimed the UCCS Women's Basketball program from 10'-14'. Coach Laster was a part of the RMAC for four years building a strong program for the Mountain Lions. His experience in this conference, and knowing what it takes to be a successful team is valuable for Colorado Christian.

Currently, Coach Corey Laster is the Head Women's Basketball Coach for William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA

Basketball Career

Four-year member of Taylor Universities Men's Basketball program

One of TU's all-time leading scorers and rebounders

Taylor University Athletics Hall of Fame member since 2010

Taylor Universities Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008


Courtney Boyd

Courtney Boyd enters her third season as Head Women's Coach at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Clarke broke the program record for wins in a season in the '18-'19 season, finishing 23-12, and made its first-ever NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship appearance.  The Pride advanced to the Quarterfinal Round after posting wins over No. 1 seed and third-ranked Columbia (Mo.) and No. 4 seed and fourteenth-ranked Shawnee State.  Boyd's team was recognized with three Heart of America Athletic Conference All-Conference selection and one NAIA second-team All-American.  The Pride boasted a 3.32 team grade point average.

A native of Keokuk, Iowa, Boyd came to Clarke from UW-Parkside, where she spent two years as associate head women’s basketball coach and was involved in all phases of the program.

Boyd received the WBCA Thirty Under 30 award at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. The WBCA Thirty Under 30 presented by Marriott Rewards® program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement.

 
Boyd started her collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, helping the Vikings to a Midwest Collegiate Conference Championship and a trip to the NAIA Elite Eight, finishing the season 30-6 overall.
 
As a player, Boyd spent two seasons at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, leading the Eagles to a runner-up finish at the NJCAA Championships in 2006 before hoisting the national title in 2007. She finished her Kirkwood career with a 67-4 record before continuing her playing career at Division II Dixie State University in Saint George, Utah. At Dixie State, Boyd was named Newcomer of the Year and Honorable Mention All-Pacific West Conference in 2008 while setting a school record for most three-pointers in a game and landing second-team All-Pac West accolades in 2009.
 
Boyd received her bachelor's degree in elementary education with an ESL endorsement from Dixie State and her master of education degree from Augusta University.


Damion Byrd

Coach Damion Byrd is a retired Air Force officer with more than 20 years of coaching experience at all ages.

His coaching versatility has allowed him to train players 5-6 year old all the way thru MS, HS, college, Euro & G- Leagues. He was a camp coach at Mercer University in 2013, the summer before they beat powerhouse Duke in the 2nd round of the 2014 NCAA tournament.

Byrd was named head coach of the All Air Men’s basketball team in 2013 and coached base-level adults for more than 10 years at 3 separate military installations with great success.

He is adept at all levels and positions of the game but specializes in ball handling, passing, court vision, & defensive footwork and agility: all of the traits that lead to a dynamic point guard and floor general. Byrd places great emphasis on mastering the details and being accountable to the things you can control as a player such as your preparation, energy and effort!


Dan Sowu

Dan Sowu, a Chicago native, is the founder/director of Elite Sports Life, a training & consulting organization that serves athletes, coaches, & sport professionals across the country. Sowu has developed & mentored numerous athletes who went on to play collegiately and professionally since 2008. Sowu played at Butler University & Bemidji State University (‘07) where he earned his B.S. in Digital Media. Sowu went on to play four seasons professionally in Latin America (LNBP) & the US (PBL, IBA, ABA). Sowu was a head varsity coach & special education teacher at Epic Academy in Chicago from 2010-2012, leading Epic to its first 20-win season, Chicago Public League, & IHSA state playoff berths. From 2012-2017, Sowu helped run the #1 camp in (Five Star) & #2 (Advantage) rated basketball camps in the country according to Sports Illustrated.

Sowu recently served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Stephens College in Columbia, MO during the 20-21 & 21-22 seasons. Sowu helped lead the Stars to their best record and most wins in school history! Sowu was an assistant for North Central College (NCAA D3) during the 2019-2020 season, helping the Cardinals improve to a 12-15 record, the program's most wins in the previous five seasons earning their first entry into the CCIW Tournament since 2015.


Darnell Ford

Coach Ford has been working Breakthrough Basketball camps for the last four years.  Darnell brings many years of experience including:
  • 4 years Assistant Women’s Varsity Basketball Coach where he was the head of development and helped them to conference and district championships.
  • 10+ years AAU/TRAVEL Basketball Head Coach for multiple teams, 4th - 12th grade boys & girls.
  • 10+ years Skill Development Coach where he coached over 1,000 student athletes, 3 McDonald All - American nominees, and ten 1,000+ scorers.  Coach Ford has had over 30 players go on to play at various levels of collegiate basketball.
  • 4+ years Point 3 Basketball Alpha Trainer.  This is an exclusive group as there are only 27 Alpha Trainers in the world.
  • 8+ years Tournament, Camp, & Clinic Director


Darrick Matthews


Darrick Matthews is currently the women's head basketball coach at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He has led the Drovers to a SAC Regular-Season Championship in 2018, earning himself SAC Coach of the Year. Matthews has helped produce one SAC Player of the Year award, four SAC Defensive Player of the Year awards, one SAC Newcomer of the Year award, four SAC All-Tournament selections, 20 All-SAC selections, and nine NAIA All-American selections. Under Matthews’ direction the Drovers have made four NAIA National Championship appearances.

Matthews previously worked at Southwestern Christian where he coached the women to a fourth-place finish in the National Christian College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament.

Prior to becoming head coach of the women’s program at SCU, Matthews spent two seasons as the men’s assistant coach, helping produce 2013 NAIA Dunk Champion and future Harlem Globetrotter, Tyler Inman.

Matthews spent the 2011-12 season as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Sul Ross State (Texas) under former USAO coach Jennifer Hayden. Matthews started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas.

As a player, Matthews began his playing career at Oklahoma Christian University in 2007, before transferring to the University of the Southwest (N.M.). During his sophomore season at USW, Matthews led the Mustangs with 19.4 points per game and earned first-team all-Red River Conference honors. He finished his career at McMurry (Texas) in 2009-10 where he helped the War Hawks to an ASC title.

Matthews graduated magna cum laude from McMurry in 2011, with a B.S. degree in mathematics education and minor in curriculum instruction. In 2012, Matthews graduated from Sul Ross State (Texas) with a M.Ed. degree with emphasis in physical education.


David Baker


-David Baker played high school ball in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. His senior year he averaged 18 ppg and 8 rpg in the state tournament, leading his team to a 3rd place finish and earning All-State honors in the process.

-After high school David played for 2 years at NAIA Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Montana to pursue his education degree.

-David has coached high school ball for 5 years at the freshman, JV, and assistant varsity levels, coaching several college basketball players and division 1 athletes. His first year coaching high school ball he led his team to a 17-2 record. David currently coaches for West Valley School in Kalispell, MT.


David Bishop


Coach Bishop has been working Breakthrough Basketball Camps for 10 years, having experience with all of our different camp offerings.  He has worked along side Don Kelbick, Jim Huber, Chris Oliver, among others.

David has 11 years of Varsity Boys Head Coaching Experience

Won over 200 games and 4 state championship game appearances

Has coached 11 -1000 point scorers (2 - 2000, 3 - 1500, 3 - 1000+)

Team averages 70+ points per game with 10 players making 100+ three pointers in a season

Records include:  Most made 3's, most wins, highest scoring average, and highest scoring game

Individual Awards: Career points, career assists, career threes and career rebounds


Debbie Peterson


Debbie Peterson has 18 years of coaching experience from youth through high school; her 5-year stint as varsity head coach of Coon Rapids High School in MN was the most successful span for the school in over 20 years. 

She was the director and coach of North Metro Aftershock AAU which grew from 2 teams to 11 and ranked top-10 in Minnesota girls AAU clubs from 2011-2017 and developed dozens of college players from NJCAA and NAIA to NCAA Division 1 levels.

She has been the lead girls basketball clinician for FCA regional sports camp in Minnesota since 2017, facilitating camps for girls across the Midwest every June.

Peterson works behind-the-scenes for Chris Oliver and Basketball Immersion, as well as writes a weekly newsletter distributed to thousands of coaches around the world.

She is the CEO of Practice Evaluation, providing education and consulting to help coaches develop practices that maximize time-on-task, player enjoyment, and transfer of learning to games.

She also taught physical education for 7 years covering grades K-12


Denisha Parks

Denisha Parks is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Elms College, her alma mater. She graduated from Elms College in 2015 and is now an Elms College HOF inductee. During her playing career, she recorded 2,000 + points and 1,000 rebounds. She was recognized on the 2020 all decade selection team in New England Region.

Prior to coaching at Elms College, she served as the lead assistant coach at Worcester during the 2021-22 season. She was also the lead assistant coach for 5 years at Clark University, located in Worcester, MA, from 2017-2022. 

Parks has assisted at many Breakthrough Basketball camps, and her potential to lead camps was quickly discovered. She has a passion for the game and enjoys working with all age groups to help them improve their game.


Derrick DeWitt

Coach DeWitt was selected to be the Head Girls Basketball at Marietta High School in April 2019. He was charged with elevating the basketball program, instructing physical education classes, and developing middle school coaches and teams, lead a staff of six coaches. Now entering his 14th season has a high school head coach and his 16th year as a Georgia Educator, Coach DeWitt is excited for his fourth season as the head coach of the Marietta Lady Blue Devils.

Coach DeWitt is a certified Physical Education, Math & Special Education teacher who earned his M.A.T. from Brenau University. Coach DeWitt played Division-1 Basketball for Stetson University where he ranks #3 in all-time three-pointers made and played in over 100 games as a Hatter.

An avid reader and podcast subscriber, DeWitt enjoys acquiring leadership skills from autobiographies and stories. DeWitt’s current recommendations are Work Life Podcast, Catching Confetti by Bret Burchard, and Rapture by Nick Nurse.

Coach DeWitt is married to Renee DeWitt, also a Stetson graduate who played basketball for the Lady Hatters. Coach DeWitt is a Girl Dad of two daughters, Leah and Alana who are Marietta student-athletes. Newly arrived baby boy, Derrick Jr., joined the family in August.

Coaching Record & Highlights as a Girls Basketball Head Coach: 193-97: 67% Winning Percentage


Dexter Lyons

Here are some of Coach Dexter Lyons Achievements & Experience:
  • 2000-2002 Played at Daytona Beach Community College
  • 2002-2004:  Played D1 at the University of Central Florida
  • 2001-02: Conference Defensive Player of the Year 
  • 2003-04: NBA Summer League (Orlando Magic) 
  • Conference Defensive Player of the Year (A-Sun), First Team All-Conference (A- Sun), NCAA Tournament Participant 
  • 2004-05 NBA Summer League (Boston Celtics), First Team All-League, First Team All-Imports, Team MVP 
  • 2006-07: 3rd Round 33rd Overall Pick in 2006
  • NBA Development League Draft (Idaho Stampede) 
  • 2007-08: League Champion, League Cup Finalist 2009-10: Spain LEB Silver League Champion
  • 2011-12: Player of Week (Miyazaki)
  • 2012-13: 2 time MVP of the Week (Takamatsu)
Camp Experience:
  • 2003-2006 was a Camp Coach/Counselor at the Kirk Speraw Camp at USF
  • Held leading role as camp advisor for summer basketball program by providing direct supervision and fundamental basketball instruction to children ages 9 to 13
  • Assisted the Head Coach in scheduling events, and contribute to the development of plans for the basketball camp and game responsibilities
  • Served as Camp Coach and positive role model for children attending basketball camp by displaying enthusiasm, sense of humor and patience
  • Assisted daily with coaching teams, officiating games, and scorekeeping while distributing game play time equally amongst all campers
  • Responsible for coordinating the overall practice
  • Coach Dexter has been working Breakthrough Basketball camps for the last two years, mostly working around the Southeast part of the country and based in Atlanta, Georgia


DJ Thomas


Donald "DJ" Thomas was born and raised in Houston Texas. He attended Tomball Memorial High School, was a four-year first team All-District player at TMHS, and ranks among the program’s leaders in career points, assists, and steals. 

Coach DJ had serval opportunities to play Division II, Division III and NAIA opportunities. He chose to attend Blinn college in pursuit of other athletic scholarships. Along the journey Coach DJ fell in love with coaching/player development.

Coaching for Houston's top AAU programs and a program of his own. He's worked on the basketball staff at Concordia Lutheran High School, where they came up short in the state finals.

Thomas has 7 years of coaching experience, including 2 years high school varsity basketball, 2 years middle school level and 7 years of player development training.


Don Kelbick

Some of Don Kelbick's credentials include:

  • Over 35 years of basketball coaching experience at the high school, division I college, and professional levels.

  • Has provided individual training for more than 14 different NBA players, 50 European and professional players, and hundreds of college basketball players.

  • Developed dozens of basketball DVDs and books.

  • Has scouted for NBA teams and served as a general manager in the USBL.
  
  • Traveled to over 20 different countries training players and teaching basketball.

  • Conducted over 1000 basketball clinics and camps training players of all age levels.

Don Kelbick is a long time contributor to Breakthrough Basketball developing dozens of articles, products, and providing ongoing consultation for the site. He also runs the Attack and Counter Skill Development Camps which are offered nationwide.

Don currently lives in Miami Florida training players and running the Drillz N Skillz Basketball Academy He has worked with a variety of great players including Raja Bell, Carlos Arroyo, Rasual Butler, and many other college and NBA players.


Donte Wright

Coach Donte Karon Wright, also known as Coach K. Wright, is originally from Jackson, South Carolina. He attended and played basketball at South Carolina State University. In the 2017-2018 season, he finished in the Top 20 three pointers made in all of NCAA Division I.

Wright completed his Bachelors degree in Psychology and his Masters degree in Business. He also played 5 years of professional basketball internationally in Mexico, Argentina, and Scotland.

He has a wealth of experience developing players in his personal training business, OverLooked Skills Academy. His passion has allowed him to train players of all levels both in the United States, and internationally, in Amsterdam and Italy. 



Eddie Robinson

A native of Flint, Michigan known for his freakish athleticism, ability to score the basketball and jaw dropping vertical, Eddie Robinson, better known in basketball circles as “E-Rob”, began his collegiate career at Trinity Valley in Athens, Texas. After his freshman year, Robinson transferred to Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas, where he averaged 22.7 points per game, earning him first team All-American. Robinson would complete his collegiate career at the University of Central Oklahoma where he totaled 28 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. In 2017, Robinson was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
 
Upon completion of his collegiate career, Robinson caught the attention of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets where he played from 1999-2001. After an impressive playoff performance with the Hornets in 2001, Robinson inked a five-year $32 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. 



Since his NBA career, Robinson’s love of the game has kept him active in the basketball community, suiting up for the NBA’s G League, the National Basketball League of Canada, and most recently, Ice Cube’s Big3 league which features former NBA stars. In addition to playing, Robinson has operated an elite basketball training business for several years, with his young clients across North America experiencing unprecedented results. Robinson has also served as a coach at many high school developmental camps and has been active in several charity initiatives for underprivileged children and victims of bullying.

 
Robinson lives in Houston with his wife Jillian and their toddler son Louie.  He also spends time with his other three children, Jaalen, Santana and Giselle after relocating to Houston from Halifax, Nova Scotia.



Eric Nelson

Eric Nelson is entering into his second season as the head women's basketball coach for the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks.  In 2019, Coach Nelson coached his first all-conference player Ashlie Larson.  

Prior to Dickinson State, Head Coach Eric Nelson entered his sixth season with the Presentation College Saints women's basketball program in Aberdeen, SD. Under Coach Nelson's direction, the women's basketball program has seen success both on and off the court. During this past season, the Saints racked up the most wins since joining the NSAA with 12 - including a trip to the NSAA Final Four for the first time in program history. The Saints also led the conference in scholar-athletes with 17. Furthermore, during his six seasons with the women's program, Coach Nelson has coached six NSAA All-Conference players and two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in Haley Froelich, during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Off the court, Coach Nelson has had 59 NSAA Scholar-Athletes and 15 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes excel in the classroom. Coach Nelson's teams have landed on the NAIA Scholar-Team award list for the past five seasons. In order to receive the team scholar award, teams must have a combined 3.0 GPA or higher.

Prior to PC, Coach Nelson was at Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D. where he was the top assistant for the men's basketball program. Collegiately, Nelson played for Morningside College from 2004-2007 and was an assistant coach from 2007-2010. In those six years at Morningside, they won two GPAC championships and went to the NAIA National Tournament three times.

After Morningside, Nelson accepted a full time teaching and coaching job at Westwood High School in Sloan, IA. He was the girls head basketball coach for two years and was also an assistant coach for the varsity football team.

Coach Nelson has also been a Camp Director for Midwest Elite Basketball the past 11 years and was named Midwest Elite Basketball Coach of the Year in 2016. MEB is a company that travels all over the Midwest putting on team camps for high schools. He has worked with over 1,000 athletes in that time.

A Laurel, NE native, Coach Nelson is a graduate of Morningside College in 2008 with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education.

Eric currently resides in Dickinson, ND. 


Harley Story


As a seasoned basketball coach and trainer, Harley’s commitment extends beyond the court, aiming to maximize his players' potential both athletically and personally. Harley has been with Breakthrough Basketball for seven years. Beginning his coaching journey at Maryville University, he realized the transformative power of intentional development. Following Maryville, Harley embarked on an enriching chapter in Southern California, where he joined the largest youth sports organization in the region. 

Taking what he learned in Southern California, Harley founded Hall of Fame Sports Organization in Southern IL to help provide positive outlets using the tool of basketball to help the youth of his home communities.

He served a stint at MICDS in St. Louis, MO where he helped bring a District title and postseason run. He is now the Head JV Coach at Parkway Central. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a belief in the potential of every athlete, he is dedicated to shaping the next generation of basketball stars, instilling in them the values that transcend the boundaries of the sport.


Hudson Welty


Welty is currently an Assistant Coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.

He had coaching stops at Arizona Christian University (21-22), Indiana Wesleyan University (19-21), and Covenant College (18-19) and has coached 6 All-Americans.

Welty started 4 years for Hall of Fame Coach Rocky Lamar at MidAmerica Nazarene University. He played (2011-2013) and coached (2017-2018) with prestigious Nike program MoKan Elite. He is also a former Breakthrough Basketball Camper!


Isaiah Warning


Coach Warning begins his first year as Head Coach for the UW Oshkosh at Fox Cities Men’s Basketball team. However, he has a lengthily history with this program; player and captain (2016-2017), Assistant Coach (2017-2021). Coach Warming has a disciplined yet willfulness to guide his players and fine tune their game individually and collectively as a team.

During the off-season he is also a Youth Basketball Instructor with the Milwaukee Bucks Youth Basketball Program; 2017 - Current. In these programs Coach Warning educated players on the fundamentals and basic skills of basketball while allowing them to find their love for the game itself.

Coach Warning takes pride in helping players ranging in all ages and levels both physically and mentally. His passion and knowledge of the game are what make his expertise so beneficial to up and coming players. He uses his extensive history and basketball IQ to implement it with all those under his guidance. Having the skills to direct all ages of learners has really made Coach Warning stand out.


Isaiah Williams

Coach Williams was born in Bronx, NY and raised in Houston, TX. He played on Varsity and AAU in high school before attending the post graduate school, New York International Academy, in Endicott, NY. He averaged 21 ppg, and the team became the new USA National Prep Champions in the 2018-2019 season tournament.

After a successful season at NYIA, Williams then went to to attend Holy Family College, an NAIA school in Manitowoc, WI, for the 2019-2020 season. During his time at HFC, the school wasn't able to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 and closed down. Williams found a home at Central Lakes College in  Brainerd, MN for the 2021-2022 season where he helped his team became Conference Champions in the MCAC division. 

Since high school, Williams has privately trained many athletes from K-12 and multiple college athletes. He specializes in skill development, weight training, and conditioning. Williams has been a Breakthrough Basketball assistant for several years before being promoted to a lead coach. He has the same love, passion,  and enthusiasm for coaching as he did playing. 

Williams has assisted throughout the Midwest and has even done some camps in Texas, where he’s from. He is highly recommended by all the coaches he's worked under, and he has learned from each of their coaching styles. He takes pride in being able to coach whatever kid is in front of him no matter the age or skill level and is able to relate with them through his own experiences and his journey as an athlete and as an growing adult. 


Jacob Redding


Jacob Redding is currently an assistant men's basketball coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Redding comes to MidAmerica from North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina after a successful playing career for the Cru. After playing for Coaches Rick Pitino and Chris Mack at Louisville, Redding finished his career at North Greenville averaging 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

Redding is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from North Greenville with a degree in Social Studies.


Jad Saab


Coach Jad has over twelve years experience of coaching basketball with an excellent record of improving team performance and developing players. He started coaching at a young age after playing basketball professionally overseas. He has coached professionally for the last six years in Europe and Asia. He has also coached at the collegiate level in the United States. 

His education and certifications include studying basketball with FIBA (Holder of FIBA Diploma),  Lithuania with IBU and licensed by the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, Serbia (University of Belgrade,  Basketball Coaching Diploma), and French Basketball Federation (Basketball Coaching Diploma).

He is a certified 94feetofgame Trainer/Player Development, and he work with Coach Phil Handy (Lakers Assistant Coach). He trains several pro players all over the world, Europe, Asia, NCAA and youth players. He has done camps both in the United States and internationally for over ten years.

He has an undying passion for the game and for teaching the game in the right way. He loves working with players of all ages to help them develop and improve their game. Known for his energy, motivation and knowledge, Jad is a great addition to the Breakthrough Basketball lead coaching staff. 


Jalen Hueser


Jalen Hueser grew up in the Omaha metro area, eventually going on to play college basketball at the NAIA level at Midland University. While playing at Midland, he helped the Warriors win 96 games in 4 years. This included three straight national tournament appearances, including an elite eight finish and a runner-up finish his junior year. 

After graduation he moved to New York City where he was a teacher, and gave individual skill work lessons to kids throughout the city. Since moving back to Nebraska he has spent time coaching at the high school ranks, while running camps and private lessons during the off season. 

Growing up his love for the game grew as he spent many hours attending basketball practices and camps with his father and grandfather both of whom are/were in the coaching field. He brings 10+ years of helping with camps and individual lessons. His passion is helping young athletes improve their fundamentals while implementing a positive growth mindset in each player.


Jamal Edwards

Coach Jamal Edwards has had the opportunity to learn the BDT concepts from our very own Coach Chris Oliver who has put on over 300 BDT Camps throughout the United States. Jamal's road to how he got to this point in his life is outlined below.

  • During a basketball course in his senior year of college, Coach Edwards had an assignment to teach one offensive drill and one defensive drill to a group of classmates.  His group consisted of international students with no experience in basketball and English was their 2nd language.  He felt at ease instructing his group through the drills, and it was from that experience he realized his true calling, “coaching”.
  • Coach Edwards was invited back to be an assistant coach at his alma mater (University of Windsor) and wasted no time in making an immediate impact.  Under the guidance of current Head Basketball Coach Chris Oliver, Coach Edwards mastered the key components of Oliver's Basketball Decision Training (BDT) and was responsible for player development and recruiting.

  • Having a desire to give back to those who gave so much to him, Coach Edwards started the Taylor Made Basketball Academy (2005) in efforts to give the kids from his hometown the same instruction he was exposed to.
  • After executing many successful events through the Taylor Made Basketball Academy, Coach Edwards realized teaching fundamentals and discipline needed far longer than a 3-5 day camp to make a lasting impact in the lives of youth.  Now he's offering programs targeting underserved communities (inner city, rural, international and military youth), through Taylor Made Prep in Phoenix, AZ (2014). 
  • He has played at Alpena Community College, University of Minnesota- Crookston, the University of Windsor, and in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria
  • Coach Edwards has worked camps throughout Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa (Breakthrough Basketball), Kentucky, Arizona, and Ontario, Canada. 
  • In addition to coaching at multiple levels (College Basketball, AAU, Nike Elite Training Programs), Coach Edwards has trained and developed multiple Division I student athletes.
  • Coach Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Windsor and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Sports Management at American Public University.


James Lang


Originally from Portland, Oregon, James was a first team all-metro league player at Jesuit High School. He was part of a state championship team as a sophomore. He played club ball for Oregon basketball club. He averaged 14 points as a junior and shot 40% from three.

He went on to play college basketball at Carroll College. He is currently the team captain. In the 23-24 season, he played in 20 games, started in 17 of them, and averaged 12 points per game. He shoots 36% from beyond the three and 91% from the free throw line.

James grew up going to various high school and college camps all along the west coast. He helps run multiple camps at Carroll College each year. He has worked with all age groups of kids in their development and comes highly recommended by multiple college coaches.


Jarod Kelly

  • Coach Kelly is currently the Head Coach at Bunker in Missouri where he has compiled a 49-15 record
  • Previously, Coach Kelly was the JV coach under Mike Wilson who has 4 Final Four appearances at Strafford High School.  
  • During Jarod's playing career at North Central Missouri College, he set school record for 3 point percentage, which still stands at 48%.  
  • Coach Kelly has been working Breakthrough Basketball camps for the last two years and has been trained under the wing of our Elite Skill Development Coach, Jim Huber who has worked with some of the best players in the world!


Jason Derby


Jason Derby is currently the Head Girls' Basketball Coach at Cuba City High School. Cuba City is 44-11 in his two years in that position, with two regional final appearances, one regional championship, and one sectional final appearance. Previously, he was the Cuba City Boys' JV coach and Varsity assistant for two years under Coach Jerry Petitgoue from 2019-2021. The varsity team was a combined 46-3 with two regional championships and two sectional final appearances in those two years.

His high school playing career at Cuba City included four conference championships, four regional championships, two sectional championships, and one state runner-up finish. He was selected to the Wisconsin Division 4 All-State team and chosen as the SWAL Conference MVP in his senior year in 2013. He then played three years of basketball at Loras College in Dubuque, IA.


Jason Holzer

  • Coach Holzer is currently the Middle School Basketball Coach and Coordinator of Basketball Operations at St. Therese North School in Kansas City.
  • Coach Holzer has been doing Breakthrough Basketball camps for 4 years, learning under the wing of our Elite Skill Development Coach, Jim Huber who has worked with some of the best players in the world!
  • Holzer started the basketball program at Alta Vista High School and is the former assistant coach at Shawnee Mission West, a 6A school in Kansas.  Jason also coaches with MoKan, which is a Nike sponsored AAU program out of Kansas City
  • His best season as a coach was his Freshman A team going 17-3 at Shawnee Mission West
  • Coach Holzer has also worked for Pro Camps with Bill Self


Jason Kent

For nearly 21 years, Jason Kent has coached and trained student athletes at all levels of competition as a head coach and assistant men’s basketball coach in the NCAA, NAIA, AAU basketball and boys’ high school basketball.  More than 20 of his former student athletes have moved on to play professional basketball.

Coach Kent specializes in recruitment, player development, mentoring, and strength & conditioning.  By instilling hard work ethic, determination and discipline in his coaching and training technique, Jason is known for his ability to maximize abilities and propel students to their full athletic potential. Coach Kent is a Gold license USA Basketball Coach and is partnered with the Jr. NBA. "My goal is to ensure that the athletes who decide to train with Next LEVEL 24 are developed into players who make an impact on their teams." Says Coach Kent. 

Jason serves as the head coach for Next Level 24’s AAU boys’ basketball team and the NextLEVEL 24 International Team.  Jason and his wife Anna have two children; Jayson and Janae.


Jason Reid


After a successful high school basketball career, Jason Traveled to play professionally overseas for a short two-year stint before making his way back to the states where he began a basketball development company to help local athletes improve on their basketball skills.

Coach Jason Reid has 10 plus years of experience coaching and training athletes at multiple levels including local youth, AAU, High School, Collegiate, and some Pro. Through his professionalism, commitment to his players , and his relentless hard work Jason's demand for training is consistently growing.

Jason is the Current Assistant Varsity/Head Freshman Coach of Osceola High School and The Owner of Just Ball Athletic Training which provides Basketball Player Development to all athletes. 


Jayce Catchings

Catchings originally attended high school in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was named to the All-State team averaging 27 points per game. He then moved to San Diego to play with nationally ranked Rancho Christian.

He accepted a scholarship to play basketball at University of California, Irvine before transferring to play at Ottawa University Arizona in 2021, where they have been 2 time Conference Champs with 2 National Tournament appearances and a Final Four appearance.

Catching is a certified basketball skills trainer, working with all levels from Kindergarten to College. He worked three years with Rancho Bernardo HS as an assistant for Bronco Ball summer camps, and he has been a Breakthrough Basketball assistant for three years before earning the title of Lead Coach.


Jeff Haarlow


  • Owner of Haarlow's Hoops Academy...skills & team training 
  • Played 2 years of college basketball and golf at Berry College, Rome, GA
  • 19+ years of college coaching experience
  • 12 years college head basketball coach (Berry College and Tennessee Temple University)
  • Over 150 career wins, NCCAA Regional Coach of Year ’13-‘14
  • Coached over 20 All-Americans and 6 professional athlete
  • Worked numerous Breakthrough Basketball camps since summer of ‘15


Jeremy Johnston

Jeremy Johnston is currently a teacher and coach in Rugby, ND, and has been a high school girls basketball coach for the past ten years. Coaching at the State Class B Tournament in five different seasons has been one of the many highlights of his coaching career. In 2019, he coached in the State Championship game and came up just short of a title, placing 2nd. He also coaches high school baseball.

Johnston obtained his Bachelor’s Degree through Minot State University and Master’s Degree through Liberty University. He is completing his 10th year at Ely Elementary. The first six years were spent teaching 1st grade and has spent the last four teaching 6th grade.

Johnston takes pride in seeing athletes grow not only in their personal skills, but also as a leader on their team. He has a passion for helping athletes of all ages achieve their goals, and give them skills to help them improve their game.


JeVar Hudgens


JeVar Hudgens is currently the Head Varsity Girls Coach at Mansfield Senior High School in Mansfield, Ohio. After graduating from Mansfield Senior High, he went on to attend Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, where he played collegiate football and basketball. Hudgens then furthered his education in Sport Management at Grand Canyon University.

Utilizing his degree, he formed a youth organization in 2009 called the Mansfield Cavs Youth in which they field over 9 teams yearly of all grade levels. Hudgens now has over 17 years of coaching experience from youth through college. His passion and commitment is rooted in the development of today’s youth.

Accomplishments include Co-Coach of the year in '20-'21 and '22-'23, First “Ohio Cardinal Conference” Championship in '22-'23 since '03, Queens of the Hardwood All-Star Game Head Coach, Northwest District All-Star Game Head Coach, 2 Sectional Championships, a Conference Championship,  AAU National Champions ('09 & '11), Grand Nationals Champions ('10, '12, '15), Ohio Youth Basketball Champions ('09, '10, '12, '14, '16), Indiana Youth State Champions ('16, '17, '19), NYBL 6th grade team ranked 10th in the Nation ('14) and many more league and tournament championships.


Jim Huber

Jim Huber

Jim Huber has developed and coached some of the best players in the world including current NBA players and elite players that attended some of the best college programs in the nation such as Duke and Kentucky.

Some of Coach Jim Huber's coaching credentials include:

  • Over 20 years of basketball coaching experience at the youth, high school, and college levels.

  • Coached a team to a 1st place finish at the 2013 Nike Global Challenge.

  • Coached at the Nike Elite 100 Camp which selects the top 100 high school players.

  • #1 Team Defense at 2013 Nike EYBL which has the top 40 Nike High School teams from North America and consists of 18 regular season games. Qualified for 2013 Nike Peach Jam.

  • A head coach for Mokan Basketball. Mokan is a direct Nike sponsor program. In 2012 when Coach Huber was Director of Basketball Operations, Mokan reached the Final Four at the Peach Jam, which only selects the top 24 teams from the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

  • 45 Championships, 13 Runner-up Finishes, and 26 Final Four Finishes at regional and national tournaments since 2004.

  • 42 Collegiate players and 22 at Division 1 level.


Joel Hueser


Coach Joel Hueser earned his degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He was also a member of the Loper Basketball team (1984-'88). Coach Hueser started his career in Kansas. He was the boys' head varsity and junior high coach at Mankato High School.

One year later he returned to Nebraska and became the boys' head varsity coach at McCook High School for 13 years. During his tenure at McCook, his teams qualified for the state tournament 5 times, finishing as the runner up in 2000.  

In 2003 he was hired by Papillion-LaVista South High School and has been the boys' head varsity coach ever since.  His teams have qualified for the state tournament 3 out of the last 5 years.  He also teaches in the Physical Education department and also serves as an assistant track coach.


Jon Hawkins


Hawkins enters his eighth season as a coach with the NNU men's basketball program in 2022-23, spending the first six as an assistant before earning a promotion to associate head coach during the summer of 2021.

During the seven years of his tenure, the Nighthawks have gone 93-78, including a 60-33 mark over the last three seasons. In the 2020-21 campaign, NNU earned a selection to the NCAA DII Tournament for the first time in program history and won a pair of games to reach the Sweet 16.

Before rejoining the NNU family in 2015, Hawkins played in the Gold Coast’s Intensity Super league, one of the top summer leagues in Australia. He then toured with AIA to Israel after playing half a season in the top league in Latvia for Jurmalas-Fenikss.

During two seasons as a student-athlete at NNU, Hawkins averaged 11.2 points per game, dished out 182 assists and led all NCAA Division II players with a 94.1 free-throw shooting percentage in the 2012-13 season.


Jonathan Bluitt

Jonathan Bluitt a 4 time high school state basketball champion from OKC McGuinness from 1998 to 2001. Bluitt also played for Athletes First and was the main catalyst for leading Athletes First to its 1st Nike Super Showcase in Orlando, Florida. From there Bluitt took his savvy skills and leadership abilities to Bridgton Academy, being one of the 1st guys out of Oklahoma City to explore the postgraduate experience. 

As a collegiate player, Bluitt was a three-year starter and four-year letter winner from 2002 to 2006. Bluitt helped guide Oral Roberts University to a pair of Mid-Continent Conference regular-season Titles, a Mid-Continent Tournament Championship, NIT appearance and the 2006 NCAA Tournament. 

Bluitt led the Mid- Continent in assist 3 out of the 4 seasons he played also ranks 2nd as the all time assist leader at Oral Roberts University.

Some of Coach Jonathan Bluitt's coaching credentials include:

  • Two years as a graduate assistant under Scott Sutton at Oral Roberts University, where he assisted the coaching staff with player development as well as helping with scouting reports for the opposing team.

  • Two years as a JUCO men's assistant at Western Texas College. During his two years at Western Texas College, Jonathan helped coach the team to their first conference tournament in 21 years, since the NolanRichardson era.

  • Bluitt has helped with the coaching duties of Athletes first; which is one of the nation’s top AAU elite programs in the country. As well as assistant coaching duties with the Oklahoma Storm (home school) leading the Storm to a Gold Ball Championship and Tulsa Noah.

  • Bluitt has worked multiple basketball camps such as the Harlem Globetrotter camp, Kansas University, Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University and Oklahoma Christian University.

  • He has developed and trained a number of pros as well as some of the top prep basketball players throughout the country.

  • Jonathan is a specialist in developing basketball players and inspiring each individual to improve in dribbling, shooting, creating space from the defender and much much more!!!


Joshua Perkins

Josh Perkins is in his inaugural season as an assistant coach for the Snow College Men’s Basketball Team. In the most recent season, Perkins was at Utah Valley, where he served as a graduate assistant under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Madsen during the 2022-2023 season. With his help the Wolverines' had remarkable success, culminating the most wins in school history with an impressive 28-9 record, an outright WAC regular season championship, and a memorable NIT Final Four appearance.

 
In the 2021-2022 season, Perkins took on the role of Varsity Assistant at Northridge High School, where he actively contributed to the development of high school athletes while gaining valuable coaching experience.
 
From 2019 to 2021, he served as a manager and volunteer at Weber State, working under the guidance of Head Coach Randy Rahe and his staff. In this role, he played a vital part in supporting team workouts, organizing travel arrangements, and handling the day-to-day operations of the program.
 
Perkins is proud graduate of Bountiful High School where he was a part of the 2014 and 2015 State Championship teams.
 
Perkins, received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Weber State and a master’s degree in public administration from Utah Valley.


Justin Bowen


Coach Bowen is currently the Head Varsity Basketball Coach at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago

Justin Bowen has an outstanding background as a professional basketball player and over 5 years of coaching and training experience.

Coach Bowen just recently won the 2017 4A Boys State Championship as Associate Head Coach for the Whitney Young Dolphins and hope to repeat that in 2018!

Justin is the Founder & CEO of GOAT Sports Academy in Chicago.

Coaching & training different AAU Teams throughout Chicago as well as the Whitney Dolphins, Justin has helped more than 25 players received scholarships offers from Division 1 schools.  His mantra, "If it doesn't challenge you, It doesn't change you" is something he frequently uses to drive his players to excellence on the basketball court and through life. 

Coach Bowen played his college ball at University of Illinois at Chicago and spent time with both the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls after graduation. 

Justin has also played professionally abroad and hosted camps in countries such as Switzerland, Australia, Japan, China, and Korea. Coach Bowen has really benefited from experiences and his dedication and attention to detail will make you a better person and player.


Kachi Nzerem


Coach Kachi brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience across diverse athletic levels, including youth, high school, college, and professional. 

Kachi is highly reviewed on Coach Up with lots of experience working with groups of players, working on skill development

Professional Basketball Player 2018 - Present

Kachi received a full athletic scholarship to play basketball at NYIT after being named a McDonald's All-American Nominee

2x Massachusetts State Champion (2010, 2011)



Kendrick Bryson


Coach Bryson played his college ball at Howard College (‘07-‘09) under Coach Mark Adams & finished out at West Texas A&M University under Coach Rick Cooper (‘09-‘11)

After leaving West Texas A&M his coaching career started with Next Level Basketball and started his own program, the Amarillo Elite Basketball Program

His Eli7e basketball program is going on 12 years and Bryson has trained Professional athletes such as Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Justin Johnson (International Italy) Jordan Brangers (International Germany), Michael Cobbins (Oklahoma Thunder/Blue and International Greece) , Loryn Goodwin (Dallas Wings/ International Egypt)


Kenny Johnson

  • Head Trainer For GOOD Hoops, a grassroots basketball program based out of Edmonton, Alberta.
  • WCAP Prep School Head Assistant & Trainer
  • All Time Leading Scorer In Grand Prairie Regional College History where he scored over 1,700 points
  • All Canadian/Player Of The Year In ACAC


Kenton Tennal


A love for the game of basketball along with a tremendous work ethic, enthusiasm and intensity give Kenton Tennal all the right ingredients to be one of the top young basketball camp coaches in the Midwest. 

Tennal has coached a high school basketball team into the State Tournament in three different states…Kansas, Nebraska and most recently Iowa. 


Coach Tennal’s career record as a head high school coach is 101-33 (75%.) His teams have consistently been near the top of offensive statistical categories such as points per game, and 3’s made per game. In 5 seasons, Tennal has coached 14 1st/2nd team all conference players. 

While in high school he led his team to the state tournament three consecutive years from the point guard position. Coach Tennal spent much of his youth in the gym as both his mother and father are Hall of Fame coaches in Kansas.  


Tennal has been working youth basketball camps since he was just 15 years old.  He and his sister took over their fathers T’s Skills and Drills Basketball Camp right out of high school, and they have been running that camp in Centralia, Kansas every summer for the past 15 years.  Since moving to Iowa Kenton started doing his own camps keeping the T’s Skills and Drills name while helping hundreds of young players to not only develop their basketball skills, but learn to love the game, as he does.


Kevin Tucker


Kevin walked on at NCAA DII, Carson-Newman University for the 2016-2017 season.  Recognized for always "giving more than expected" at the end of the season and was presented with the team's leadership award.

Tucker stayed on at Carson-Newman as a graduate-assistant coach for the 2017-2018 season.

Coach Tucker is currently in his 2nd year as a high school Head Coach at First Baptist Academy in Knoxville TN

Coached with various basketball camps since 2010.  Entering 3rd year with Breakthrough Basketball.


Kristina Danella

  • Kristina Danella has been with Breakthrough Basketball for the last five years, traveling all over the Northeast as a lead clinician.
  • Danella is currently the Head Girls Basketball Coach and high school special education teacher at Sparta High School in New Jersey. She completed her Master's Degree in Special Education in December of 2022.
  • Previous jobs include Head Varsity coach at Mount Olive HS and Head Women's Basketball Coach at Keystone College in La Plume, Pennsylvania. Danella’s career coaching record is 125-73 after seven active seasons.  Danella was also in charge of Game Day Management at Keystone College.
  • Danella was named the 2020 CSAC Coach of the Year after winning the 2020 CSAC Championship. This marked the first ever conference championship for Keystone College. With this victory, Keystone made their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Keystone ended their historic 2019-2020 run with a record of 21-7 and 19-1 in conference.
  • Additionally at Caldwell, Danella served as the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator, where she served on the Gender and Equity Committee for the Central Atlanta Athletic Conference, and oversaw Caldwell's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, helping fundraise for charities such as Make-A-Wish.
  • Danella graduated from Marist College in 2013 after winning three MAAC Championships with the Red Foxes. Danella scored over 1000 points in her career and was the MAAC Sixth Player of the Year as a senior. Before Marist, Danella played two years for UMass and was an Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Selection and Second Team All-Conference Player.
  • The Manalapan, N.J. native starred at Red Bank Catholic High School, graduating as the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 1,773 points and 1,156 rebounds. A three-time All-State First Team selection, she was a two-time Shore Conference Player of the Year and the 2007 Asbury Park Press Player of the Year. She will be inducted into the Red Bank Catholic Hall of Fame in June of 2023.Danella is currently the Head Girls Basketball Coach and high school special education teacher at Sparta High School in New Jersey. 


Kyle Miller


Coach Miller is currently the Head Men's Varsity Coach at Piketon High School in Piketon, OH

Coach Miller played at Notre Dame College & Shawnee State University from 2005-2009 where he was a 4 time All-American Mideast Conference member.  He was an American Mideast Conference champion (North Division) in the 2007 - 2008 season

Kyle played professionally in the Central Australian Basketball League for 3 seasons (2012-14)

Coach Miller has helped worked at Breakthrough Basketball camps since 2017

Other notable accomplishments: 

- 3 time CABL All-Star 5 member (2012, 2013, 2014)

- 2 time CABL leader in assists (2013, 2014)

- 2 time Central District Basketball Club Most Valuable Player (2012, 2014)

- Finished top 5 (in the CABL) in scoring 2 times (2012, 2014)

- Finished top 3 in the Woollacott Medal (CABL MVP) voting (2014)

- Helped lead the Lions to back to back playoff appearances after a stretch of 21 years of not qualifying (2013, 2014)

Western High School (Boys’ varsity coach): 3 seasons (2014-2017)

- Led the Indians to their 1st winning season in 6 seasons (2nd place finish in the Southern Ohio Conference) – 2014-15

- Led the Indians to Sectional and District championships (2015-16)

- Led the Indians to their first Regional (sweet 16) appearance in Ohio’s state tournament in 8 seasons (2015-16)

- Led the Indians to their best regular season win total in 8 seasons (2016-17)

- Experienced back to back to back winning seasons (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17)


Kyle Taylor


Entering his third season in Bruins blue, Kyle Taylor has continued the strong tradition of the Salt Lake Community College Men's Basketball program.

In just two seasons, Taylor has posted an overall record of 49-9, earning back-to-back trips to the NJCAA Championships in Hutchinson, Kan. He earned the Scenic West Athletic Conference regular-season title and a Region 18 title in the 2019-20 season, seeing a high national seed end in disappointment with the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor earned the 2020 Region 18 and NJCAA West District Coach-of-the-Year awards.

Not only has SLCC been successful as a team in Taylor's tenure, the Bruins have seen a great deal of individual success. To date, SLCC has had a pair of NJCAA All-Americans, eight NJCAA Academic All-America players, and has had 14 players accept offers to NCAA Division-I programs. 

Taylor has also worked at every level of college basketball: D1 (5 years), D2 (1 year), D3 (7 years), NAIA (1 year) and NJCAA (3 years).


Kylee Gorby


Head women's basketball coach, Kylee Gorby, is entering her second year at the helm for Spalding. In her first season, she led her team to a 3-4 overall record. 

Prior to taking the helm at Spalding, Gorby served as an assistant coach at Georgetown College where she helped guide the Tigers to at 22-11 record and appearance in the NAIA Division I National Tournament in 2019. While at Georgetown, Coach Gorby assisted Head Coach James Jackson in recruiting, creating and implementing scouting reports, creating and conducting individual workouts, mental training activities, as well as organizing and implementing fundraisers.

As player, Gorby was a four-year letterwinner at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, helping lead the Eagles to the first NAIA National Tournament appearance in school history in 2014-15, as well as a return trip to the big dance in 2015-16. The 5-9 guard also helped guide the Eagles to back-to-back KIAC tournament titles in 2015 and 2015. For her career, Gorby scored 1,197 points, pulled down 452 rebounds and dished out 410 assists earning First Team All-KIAC and NAIA All-Tournament team honors in her senior season.

Gorby, a Leitchfield, Kentucky native, is a graduate of Asbury University where she earned B.A. in Media Communications.


Loretta Martin


Loretta Martin, a native of Kenner, La, entered the Dillard University family in 2005 as a member of the Lady Bleu Devils basketball team with an athletic scholarship.  After graduating from Bonnabel High School in 2002, Ms. Martin received a basketball scholarship to Copiah Lincoln Community College, where she played basketball ball for two years.

Coach Martin received an Associate degree in Kinesiology in 2005 from Copiah Lincoln Community College.  She then moved on to join the Dillard family where she played two seasons under the direction of Coach Kiki Barnes.  After completing her eligibility in basketball, Ms. Martin received a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies in May 2010 from Dillard University.

Ms. Martin is currently staffed in the athletic department at Dillard University where she is assistant women's basketball coach for the Lady Bleu Devils.


Mai-Loni Henson

Mai-Loni Henson, is currently an assistant coach for the women's basketball program at Colorado College. She was formerly a Division I basketball player at the University of Washington and a professional player in France for three seasonsl. She was also a personal basketball trainer in Phoenix, AZ.
 
Henson was a four-year letterwinner at Washington from 2016-20, where she served as team captain for her final two seasons. She played in 123 career games, including starting all 30 as a senior, and helped the Huskies to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen as a freshman in 2017. Henson averaged six points and 3.4 rebounds per game during her collegiate career, including a career-high 9.4 points as a sophomore, the second-highest average on the team.
 
She also served as head coach of the San Diego Bulldogs Youth Club Team and an assistant coach at her high school alma mater, La Jolla Country Day. She has worked many different types of camps as both an Assistant Director and Coach. 
 
Henson earned a bachelor's degree in public health in May 2020. She was a member of the Husky Leadership Academy and UW’s Dean’s List as a senior.


Malcolm Wynn


Malcolm Wynn is entering his sixth season at New England College. Last season, Wynn was named as the associate head coach. “Malcolm Wynn is a tremendous coach,” said Coach Charlie Mason. “Coach Wynn's body of work at the collegiate level speaks for itself. He has won at every level and his experience as a successful coach and recruiter will be an asset for our program as we move forward."

Since joining the Pilgrims staff, the men's basketball team is 75-32 (.701 winning percentage), including three-straight 20+ win seasons. 
 
Wynn served as the head men's basketball coach at Curry College for 12 years and led the Colonels to multiple Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships and NCAA tournament appearances; including a school-record 21 wins in 2012-13 season.
 
Malcolm Wynn also served as the head men's basketball coach at Roxbury Community College. In the course of seven seasons, he compiled a stellar 142-42 (.771) record. Wynn led RCC to the 2000 NJCAA Division III National Championship and was subsequently named as NJCAA National Coach of the Year. One year later, he guided the Tigers to a 31-1 record and third-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament. Starting in 1996, his teams won four NJCAA State Championships and five NJCAA Region XXI Championships. Wynn was also a four-time recipient of both NJCAA Region XXI and District 8 Coach of the Year honors.


Marcus Hall


Marcus Hall is the Branch Director of the Kalona YMCA, where he founded Hardwood Academy, a basketball training program which runs every summer June through August. 

He was Head Boys Basketball Coach at Highland High school from 2011 - 2018 where he led the team to its' first conference title, district title and sub-state birth in over 25 years, and was named Golden Triangle Coach of the Year & SEISC coach of the year.

Marcus privately trains players of all age & skill levels, middle-school through college, in both individual and group settings.  


Mark Jablonski

Coach Mark Jablonski is currently in his third year as an Assistant Coach at Schreiner University, working with a team that has been a consistent league championship contender and won the SCAC Conference Championship in the 2022-23 season. 

Prior to coming to Schreiner, Coach 'Jabo' coached in New York City where he had a successful player development practice and was consistently ranked among the Top 10 Basketball Coaches in New York State on CoachUp.com. In addition to private coaching in New York, Mark coached at Avenues-The World School, SWARM AAU, City Outworks AAU, and was an assistant coach for the Bronx Community College Women's Team.

In 2018, Mark served as an assistant coach to Chris Oliver on the Canadian National Team that won the 40th Annual Jones Cup in Taiwan.  

As a former Division I basketball player, Mark played at the University of Pennsylvania under Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly and former Houston Rockets General Manager Bob Weinhauer.


Martin Anderson


Martin Anderson is a renowned elite player development coach. His purpose is to impact as many athletes as he can through the game of basketball.

Martin played professional basketball for four seasons overseas before back injuries ended his playing career early. Through a short stint as a player development coach in the National Basketball League of Canada he discovered his passion for coaching and decided to commit to training athletes full time.

Martin has since worked with athletes in the NBA, WNBA, FIBA, NCAA D1, NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA, JUCO, High School, Middle School, and Youth all over the world. He has created life long relationships with many elite people within the basketball world such as Phil Handy (LA Lakers Assistant Coach), The Seattle Storm (WNBA), Bob Willett/Gary Hughes (Deuce Brand), and numerous players in the NBA, WNBA.

Martin has a strong love for people , and he cares about every single player that he works with. He creates a family atmosphere and understands that caring for people is far more important than anything else.


Martin Apodaca


Coach Martin Apodaca has been a girls' basketball coach for 15 years.  During this time, he has advanced from 8th grade head coach to his current position of girls varsity assistant at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 

Coach Apodaca’s passion for teaching and coaching his players stems from his days of playing basketball and his love of the game. From a very young age, Coach Apodaca has had a love and passion for the game. His commitment and tenacity have greatly paid off in paving the way for his coaching career.

Coach Apodaca has the skill, patience, and connection with his players that allows him to share his knowledge and love of basketball. His ability to demonstrate and teach the fundamentals and advanced training is proven in the players who benefit from his coaching style.

Coach Apodaca is currently the head coach for New Mexico Flash (Metro) a Grassroots/AAU girls' basketball club; a program designed to help and prepare for the high school level. Having been with Breakthrough Basketball now for over five years, he has been a proven lead clinician and has a great record of success.  Any player who has the opportunity to train under Coach Apodaca and is committed and receptive to his coaching will benefit and become a great basketball player. This will assist in preparation for their high school basketball career.


Matt Keeley

Coach Matt Keeley started coaching as an Assistant at MidAmerica Nazarene University during the 2009-2010 season. A 2004 graduate of MNU, Keeley spent the two seasons prior as a full time assistant at Washburn University. Before Washburn, he taught and coached at Manhattan High School.

Some of Coach Matt Keeley's credentials include:

  • Coach Keeley is the Head Men's Coach at Ottawa University in Arizona
  • Keeley has recruited and coached 3 All Americans and 2 Conference Players of the Year and 13 All Conference Players

  • Matt Keeley has coached for 9 college seasons and won over 100 games

  • He is currently in his 5th season to have coached with Nike EYBL program, MoKan Elite

  • In 4 completed seasons Coach Keeley has directly coached over 25 players earning college scholarships including players in the SEC, Big10, Missouri Valley, Big East and Mountain West conferences

  • Matt has been the Camp Director at Rocky Lamar's Fundamentally Driven Basketball Camp for the past 5 seasons in that time working with over 3000 campers

  • Starting point guard for MNU 2000-2004

  • During his playing career at MNU, his team advanced to the Elite Eight three times

  • Keeley earned All-American honors his junior and senior seasons, leading the NAIA in assists as a senior

  • Matt was named the HAAC Player of the Year in 2004, a Champion of Character Award winner and was an Academic All-American

  • Along with conducting Breakthrough Basketball camps, Keeley is in charge of recruiting as well as help with scheduling, travel, and on-floor coaching duties at MidAmerica Nazarene


Matthew Dickman

Matt Dickman enters his first season at Graceland University after enjoying success at multiple collegiate levels and the NBA G-League.

"Matt brings tremendous experience to our staff, having worked at many levels, including the G-League. Our familiarity with each will be a huge asset as we head into the season. His ability to develop players and cultivate relationships will be a great value to our student-athletes, program, and campus community," said Head Coach Todd Lorensen.

In the 2019-2020 season, Dickman worked with the Miami Heat's G-League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce. Before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, the Skyforce won 9 of their last 12 games entering the season's home stretch. During his time in Sioux Falls, Dickman's major contributions were in the areas of player development, scouting, and video breakdown.

Coach Dickman has worked alongside Lorensen on two other occasions, with prior stops at Buena Vista University (2018-19) and Mount Marty University (2020-2021). In 2021, Mount Marty University experienced unprecedented success by qualifying for the GPAC tournament championship game, their first appearance in program history. En route to the championship game, Mount Marty won two GPAC tournament games and, in doing so, acquired two of the three GPAC tournament wins in program history.

Dickman has helped claim two conference championships. The most recent being in 2023 for the Saint Louis University Billikens Women's basketball team, which was also his only season coaching Women's basketball. The Billikens had a historic season as they punched their first ticket to March Madness in program history by winning the Atlantic 10 Championship and eleven of their final twelve A-10 contests.

His other championship came in 2018 for the Red Wolves of Indiana University-East. The Red Wolves entered the NAIA National Championships as the number one overall seed in the tournament and also spent many weeks as the nation's top-ranked team. The Red Wolves would advance to the Fab Four before ending their season against the eventual National Champion.

Prior to his time at IU East, Dickman was a graduate assistant for two seasons at Central Methodist University, where they spent time ranked in the top 25 for a time in both seasons. Before his time at Central Methodist, he was an assistant at Brown Mackie College for a season where they were ranked as high as 10th in the country.


Michelle DeCoud

Michelle DeCoud joined Monmouth as the women's basketball head coach in May 2023. She came to Monmouth from Hastings College, a NAIA program in Hastings, Nebraska where she spent five seasons at Hastings, the last three as assistant coach.

DeCoud joined Hastings as a graduate assistant, earning a master of arts in teaching in English language arts in 2020. She stayed at Hastings as an assistant coach and also served as head coach to the junior varsity team. While at Hastings, DeCoud helped the Broncos to two conference finals appearances and a pair of NAIA National Tournament berths. 

DeCoud played at the University of Dallas, where she set school records in blocks and shooting percentage while ranking in the top five in rebounds, field goals made and points scored. She finished her career at UD with 1,333 points, a 48.7 field goal percentage, 842 rebounds, 134 blocks, 140 assists and 136 steals. DeCoud graduated from Dallas in 2018 with a bachelor of arts degree in business.

DeCoud was named All-American by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) three times. In 2017-18 she was selected to the first-team after being named second-team in 2016-17 and honorable mention in 2015-16. 

A native of Monument, Colorado, DeCoud attended Palmer Ridge High School, where she lettered in basketball, track and field, and softball while earning all-state academic awards all four years.


Nate Quilling


Nate Quilling is currently an assistant coach for the Corban University Men’s Basketball program. He just completed his first year on staff and helped guide the Warriors to a 20-11 overall record. The Warriors also earned an at-large berth to the NAIA National Tournament, the first appearance since the 2016-17 season.

Before his time at Corban University, Quilling spent two seasons with the John Brown University Golden Eagles. With a covid shorted season in 2020-21, the Golden Eagles had an overall record of 27-20 during his time at JBU. Quilling assisted in all areas of the program from player development to scouting to recruiting. He led all pre-season, in-season, and post-season strength and conditioning sessions.

Quilling’s coaching career started at his alma mater, Trinity International University in the Chicagoland area. He served on staff for 3 years, having one of those seasons end in a trip to the NAIA Division II National Tournament. As a student-athlete at TIU, Quilling had a remarkable senior season in 2016-2017. The Trojans posted a single season win record by finishing the campaign 30-6, capturing a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) title before making a run to the quarterfinals in the national tournament.

Nate and his wife, Hannah, reside in Salem, OR with their son, Brooks.


Neil Johnson


Coach Johnson been working with young athletes for over ten years, emphasizing the fundamentals of sports as well as its life lessons. 

Neil has organized and coached AAU basketball teams, which included conditioning, individual skill development, teamwork development and mental preparation.

Developed and taught two Basketball Bootcamps for 7th and 8th grade boys that utilized age/experience appropriate strength, plyometric, speed, agility, and quickness exercises.

He is passionate about coaching and making players better (always reading about successful athletes training regimens and what top coaches philosophies are).

Coach Johnson received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Stanford University and am a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and hold a Youth Exercise Specialization (YES) from the NASM and am a USA Basketball Youth Development Certified Coach.

Neil Johnson was All-State in high school (winning back to back state championships), and decided to walk on at Stanford University. After 2 years of hard work and dedication, he was awarded an athletic scholarship for his final 2 years, so he knows what it takes to compete and succeed at a high level.


Neil Watson

Neil Watson was born in Kansas City and played high school basketball at Sumner Academy. After HS, he went on to play at Toledo University and then transferred to University of Southern Mississippi where he played from 2011-2014.They went to the NIT quarterfinals once and the NCAA tournament twice while he was there. 

After college, Watson went on to play professionally overseas for 5 years in Iraq, Sweden, England, Scotland, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Austria, and Italy.

He is currently the Head Assistant Coach at Shawnee Mission West High School. Prior to this role he was a Head Coach at East High School, Assistant Head Coach at Park University, and an Assistant Coach at  Pembroke Hill. Watson has been assisting at Breakthrough Basketball Camps for many years before being promoted to a lead coach. 


Nick Smith

Coach Nicholas Smith is in his fourth season as assistant coach for Southwest Minnesota State Men's Basketball.

In 2016-17, SMSU had one of its best seasons in school history, tying a school record with 28 victories, while capturing the NSIC South Division and NSIC Tournament championships. SMSU also advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history, before losing to eventual national champion Northwest Missouri State in the region championship.

Prior to joining the coaching staff, Smith completed a standout four-year playing career at SMSU (2010-14) and ranks as one of the best players in program history. Smith closed his career appearing in 117 games with 101 starts and was a member of SMSU’s 2012 NSIC tournament championship team and NCAA tournament team. His name is all over the program record book, as he ranks first in career blocked shots (174), fourth in field goal pct. (54.4), fifth in rebounds (712), ninth in field goals made (481) and 10th in points (1,192).

Smith, a two-time All-NSIC second team honoree, he was also named CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2014 and twice was named the SMSU Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
 
Smith is a 2014 graduate of SMSU with a degree in sports management and finance. He is pursuing his master’s degree at SMSU.

This will be Coach Smith's second year with Breakthrough Basketball


O.D. Anosike


OD Anosike is a current professional basketball player with several years of playing experience in Europe, Mexico & South Korea. He’s competed against some of the best talent in the world in countries like Italy, France, Greece and Spain, along with competing for the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League.

A graduate of Siena College ‘13, Anosike enjoyed a decorated collegiate career, leading the NCAA in rebounding for his junior and senior seasons. He concluded his career with over 1000 points and 1000 rebounds and second all-time in school history in rebounds.

Anosike hopes to pursue a coaching career at the conclusion of his playing career. He has been involved with several camps and AAU programs in the northeast region and enjoys sharing his international basketball experiences with the youth.


Paris Davis

Coach Paris has over 11 years of basketball experience and extensive experience as a Breakthrough Basketball Skills Coach.
  • Paris is a CoachUp Captain, has completed over 1,000 basketball training sessions, has been ranked #1 in the state of Illinois for basketball training on CoachUp.com

    Paris is an Elite Skills Trainer & Influencer for One Up Basketball

    He played varsity basketball for the legendary coach, Gene Pingatore  (2002-2005)

    -Ranked top 100 in the state of Illinois  (2005)

    -Named East Suburban Catholic Conference All-Star (2005)

    Received academic and basketball scholarship to Saint Xavier University (2005)

    -Second leading scorer at Saint Xavier University (2006-2007)

    -Helped lead team to the NAIA National Tournament (2007-2008)

    -CCAC Honorable Mention Player of the Week at Saint Xavier University (2009)

    Other coaching achievements include, but not limited to...

    -Christ the King Girls HS Basketball Tournament Champions (2014-2015)

    -Christ the King Girls HS Basketball Conference Champions (2014-2015)

    -District 89 Boys Basketball Holiday Tournament Champions (2010)


  • Paris is the Creator and Author of the High Five Basketball Training Guide. 



Quentin Mitchell

Quentin Mitchell has coached 40 college players, 23 of which have played at the Div 1 level.  6 professional players  (one of which was an NBA pick) and has coached over 1,000 kids at various camps and clinics

Quentin was all conference in high school and a McDonald's All-American nominee. 

He went on to play at Western Illinois University where he holds the records still today for for most 3 point field goals in a game (9), most consecutive games with a 3 point field goal (6), and highest 3 point field goal percentage in a game going 9/11 for 82%. 

Quentin has played all over the world professionally, helping his teams make the playoffs and win championships.

Some of Coach Quentin Mitchell's coaching credentials include:

  • Assistant varsity coach at Redford Covenant High School in Detroit, Michigan. Responsibilities included practice planning, organizing game plans, scouting and team development.

  • Head JV Coach at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. Team records were as follows: 18-6 (2012-2013), 18-4 (2011-2012), 14-2 (2010-2011), 17-1 (2009-2010)

  • Assistant Coach at MOKAN, in Kansas City, Missouri from 2009-2012 and their record was as follows: 36-5 (2012), 50-9 (2011), 56-9 (2010), 57-9 (2009)

  • Most recently, along with working with Breakthrough Basketball, he was the head coach for Tilton Elementary School in Chicago where they finished 8-1 and made the Chicago league playoffs for the first time in 4 years



Rhys Pepino

Coach Rhys Pepino is currently the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at his alma mater, Eureka College, in Eureka, Illinois. He also head coaches two AAU teams with Heart of Illinois Basketball, and trains athletes from middle school through college in on-court skills, athleticism building, and decision making.

Before Eureka, Pepino spent two years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as the Video Coordinator. During his time there, he was also the administrator and trainer for Ballhogg Basketball in Edwardsville, IL.

Pepino focuses on the building and growing of players’ understanding of the game and how to get better, and specializes in helping young athletes learn how they can continue to grow their skillset on their own. Working with athletes from skill levels ranging from middle school to Division 1 college level allows Pepino a unique understanding of what it will take to get players to their desired landing spot and goals.


Rob Southall


Hired in the fall of 2013, Rob Southall is now in his sixth season as head coach of the men's basketball program and assistant director of athletics at Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts. 

Coach Southall’s philosophy of player development have made their mark on the record books at Elms College. His offensive system allowed several student athletes to reach their potential, he has developed four out of the eight thousand point scorers in school history. He has developed back to back NECC Defensive Player of the Year 2017 and NECC Player of the Year 2016, in addition to eight student-athlete have earned All-Conference honors. Not only limited to the success on the court, he has had 10 student athletes on NECC All Academic honors. During Coach Southall tenure the team has four out of five NECC Tournament including the Championship game in 2014-2015.

Coach Southall took the reins of the Blazers’ men’s basketball team after an eight-year stint as a full time assistant coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). During his time at WPI, the Engineers enjoyed tremendous success with Coach Southall on the bench compiling a 178-44 record with six New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season championships as well as the 2005-06 and 2012-13 NEWMAC tournament championships, six appearances in the NCAA Division III Championship and the 2011-12 ECAC Division III New England Championship title. WPI also notched 20 or more wins in each of Coach Southall’s eight seasons on staff under head coach Chris Bartley.

Prior to his time at WPI, Coach Southall spent a season assisting Joe Reilly at Bates College and helped guide the team to one of its best seasons in school history (19-8). Bates reached the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championship tournament final before falling to Amherst College.

A 2002 graduate of Springfield College, Coach Southall played basketball for two seasons and was a graduate assistant coach for the Pride under head coach Charlie Brock for two years. At Springfield, he was also the head junior varsity basketball coach and was heavily involved in recruiting and game preparation. Coach Southall also obtained a master’s degree from Springfield in 2004.


Ryan Thomas

After a strong high school basketball career, Ryan earned a scholarship to play college basketball at Concordia University where he played for 2 years before transferring to finish his college basketball career at Central Michigan University.

Coach Thomas has over 15 years of experience coaching at multiple levels (youth, AAU, YBOA, and High School). Through his dedication, leadership, innovation and tireless work ethic Thomas has become a sought after skills trainer. As a skills trainer he has helped mold thousands of young people around the country developing their game.

Here is a brief overview of Coach Thomas' coaching credentials:

  • Owner of HoopGrind Basketball - Basketball Development Program 
  • Athletic Director & Associate Head Basketball Coach at Impact Christian Academy
  • Trained and developed many college and professional players
  • Currently trains players from youth to professional level
  • 2016-Present Associate Head Coach / Athletic Director Impact Christian Academy
  • 2011-2015 Assistant coach at Edward H. White High School - Jacksonville Florida (6A)
  • Multiple top 5 FHSAA state rankings
  • Multiple District Championships
  • 1 FHSAA Final Four appearance


Ryan Wockenfus

Ryan Wockenfus joined the Hamline men’s basketball coaching staff before the 2021-22 campaign, and will embark on his third season as assistant coach in 2023-24.His main duties will include player development, recruiting, scouting, and operations.
 
Wockenfus came to Hamline after spending five seasons as an assistant coach at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Before Lawrence, Wockenfus spent a season with Marian University, and three seasons at Saint Mary’s in Winona.
 
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Wockenfus has also coached an AAU team as well as a variety of youth camps.
 
Wockenfus played basketball and was a member of the track and field team at Saint Mary’s where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 2011. While at SMU, Wockenfus played in 46 career games on the basketball court as well as earning two All-MIAC honors in the javelin for the track team. His 53.15-meter javelin throw is the current school record.
 
In 2015, Wockenfus earned a Master of Arts degree in management, also from Saint Mary’s. 


Sarah Hopkins-Chery

Sarah Hopkins-Chery is currently the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Cal State Monterey Bay. She surpassed 100 wins in the 21-22 season at UC Merced, where she led her teams to 3 Conference Tournament Championships, 1 undefeated regular season Conference Title and 3 National Tournament Appearances.

A native of Essex, England, Hopkins-Chery brings both playing and coaching experience. In England, Hopkins-Chery attended Greensward College and attributes much of her stardom in the game of basketball to the Swifts Basketball Club along with Greensward. While with Swifts and Greensward, both teams were yearly national championship contenders, while she was a player and a coach. Hopkins-Chery has represented England at U16, U20 and Senior Team levels.  

She first earned international playing experience with the Under 16 and Under 20 England teams and eventually England’s senior women’s nation team in 2002.

Hopkins-Chery attended and played basketball at Jefferson College where she was an NJCAA Academic All-American Scholar-Athlete in 2005, All-Region Academic Team member in 2005 and a two-time MCCAC Academic All-Conference honoree.  Additionally, the Vikings were conference champions in 2004 and 2005 while she was a part of the program.

After two years at Jefferson she transferred to Park University where she became a standout on the women’s basketball team.  As a player at Park she helped lead a Pirates squad to the programs first-ever appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in 2005-06 after winning a conference title in the Association of Independent Institutions (AII).  Hopkins-Chery was also honored as an AII-Academic All-Conference member and an NAIA All-American Scholar-Athlete in 2006 (the first of three times she received this honor).


Schaun Potts


Schaun Potts is an area basketball trainer who has worked with college and professional basketball players.  He has trained hundreds of basketball players ranging from elementary, middle school, high school, college and professional.  Potts has also facilitated multiple camps (including camps for Mac McClung & John Fulkerson). 

He is the owner and skills trainer of 423 R.I.S.E. (Respect, Integrity, Skill, Effort).

Coach Potts has a lot of experience, coaching 25+ years at various levels with school & AAU.  Potts coached in North Carolina at Chapel High School and in Kingsport, Tennessee at John Sevier Middle School. He has multiple players that have played collegiately.  Potts is currently leading the 2025 423 R.I.S.E. team and is also head coach for the Rocky Top Border War Middle School all-star game and 423 Hoops League for exposure. In addition to being a trainer and coach - Potts also has worked with Breakthrough Basketball, Swarm and the AAU Select Tour.

Schaun is from Michigan City, Indiana and played collegiately at Ashford University in Clinton, IA.  He later graduated with a degree in education at Ball State University.  Currently his kids are playing including his daughter, Jaden, who is point guard at King University and his son, Dace, who is a guard at defending state champion Dobyns-Bennett High School.

Coach Potts basketball experience stems from IN, IA, NC and TN.  He has a true passion to teach the game!


Shane Sweany

A 2020 graduate of the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg, Missouri, Sweany was a student-assistant at UCM, where he assisted the coaching staff with practice, team travel, meals, and video work. He also helped organize UCM’s annual Elite Camp for potential student-athletes each August.

Sweany is excited about stepping into his assistant coaching role and being on the Southwestern campus. “I am very thankful to Coach Kindle and Southwestern’s athletic administrators for giving me this opportunity; I can’t wait to get started,” says Sweany. “I am excited to work with Coach Kindle and look forward to assisting him in achieving the goals he has set for this program.”

Most recently, at Doane University, Sweany began his coaching career while starting to work toward his master’s degree. As a graduate assistant, he was involved in all aspects of running a collegiate basketball program. Sweany looks to complete his master’s degree while coaching for the Spartans.


Shawn Carson


Coach Shawn Carson is the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Mt. Hood Community College, where he has steered his team to the playoffs in 2 out of 3 seasons. 

Alongside his coaching duties, he fulfills the roles of Event Coordinator and social media coordinator at Parkrose High School. 

Prior to his current positions, Coach Carson served as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Men's program at Bushnell University. 

With a background as a collegiate player at both Clackamas Community College and Bushnell University, Coach Carson's impact extends beyond coaching. 



Stephen Carter

 

Coach Stephen Carter's journey into the role of Head Coach for the Women’s basketball program at Colorado Northwestern Community College marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the team.

Carter's coaching trajectory encompasses a rich and diverse background, demonstrating his commitment to player development and success. Prior to his current role, he spent the past two seasons at the Junior College level at GCC in Arizona, initially serving as an assistant coach before earning the promotion to Head Women’s Basketball Coach. His tenure at the NJCAA level solidified his coaching prowess and prepared him for the challenges and triumphs of leading a collegiate program.

Before his stint in the junior college arena, Coach Carter dedicated three years as an Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at the Division II level. His 2018-2019 role at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina saw him actively involved in the recruiting process, both locally and nationally. Carter played a key role in player development, focusing particularly on the post player position. Subsequently, he spent two years at Upper Iowa University, contributing to player development for post players and providing strategic insights through player scouting reports and game planning.

Coach Carter's coaching journey began in Arizona, where he held various roles at Sandra Day O’ Connor High School and Desert Edge High School. His experience as a Head Junior Varsity Coach, Varsity Assistant, and Associate Head Coach at the high school level laid the foundation for his passion for coaching in the women’s game.

Before venturing into coaching, Carter honed his understanding of the game through player development at the Snow Valley Basketball School in Iowa. Since 2013, he has served as the Skill Development Director and Lead Clinician, contributing significantly to the growth of aspiring basketball players. In 2019, he expanded his influence by joining Breakthrough Basketball as a Camp Advisor and Lead Clinician.

Coach Carter recently embarked on a new chapter in his life as he married his beautiful wife, Emily Carter, a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. As he takes the reins of the CNCC Women’s basketball program, Coach Stephen Carter brings not only a wealth of coaching expertise but also a genuine passion for developing players on and off the court. The Spartans can anticipate a season under his guidance that is marked by strategic planning, player growth, and a dedication to excellence


Steve Spiehs

Steve Spiehs was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, and graduated from Wood River High School. He then graduated from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln with his Bachelors of Ag. Science and Teaching Certification in 1998 and a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Chadron State College in 2009. Since 1998 he has amassed over 25 years of coaching experience in multi-levels of basketball.

He began his coaching career in Neligh, NE, where he worked with the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams. He then coached at North Platte St. Patrick’s High in a similar position where the varsity team became C2-9 District Champions and 2002 C2 State Tournament Semifinalists.

Spiehs then joined North Platte High Girls Basketball Program guiding his JV teams to 140-61 and was also the Varsity Assistant Girls Coach aiding them to a school record of 19 wins in a season and an overall record of 142-86. Also in that time, North Platte Varsity Girls were 2-time District Runners-Up, District Champions, and made 2 State Tournament appearances.

Next, Spiehs became a coach with the Grand Island Northwest High School boys team. In 2017 he joined the Northwest Girls team where they were District Runners-Up three times, District Champions twice, Class B State Champions once (2019), and Class B State Semifinalists once (2020).  

Spiehs continues to teach at Northwest HS. He has found ways to continue in coaching by assisting with various teams and camps, as well as serving as a “Doing Sports God’s Way” Coach at the 2023 Nebraska FCA Weekend of Champions in Grand Island. Spiehs joins Breakthrough as a Lead Clinician in 2024 after many years of assisting.


Tasheba Butler

2007-2011:  Lander University
  • 2007: Scored 40 points in one game my freshman year, and missed breaking the school record by only 2 points
  • 2010: Surpassed 1,000 point milestone, finishing career with 1,191 points 

2015-2016:  Texas Cyclones Semi-Pro Team (WUBA)
  • Defensive Player of the Year
  • Western Conference Player of the Year
  • All-rookie 1st Team

2016-2017:  Platges de Mataro (Pro Team in Barcelona)
  • Made it to the Copa Catalunya Final 4
  • Averaged 15 PPG, 8 RPG, 5 APG


Taylor Jacobsen

Taylor Jacobsen is in her fourth season as ACU women's basketball program's top assistant coach after being hired in June 2020.

An Aurora, Ill. native, Jacobsen is well-acquainted with Coach Rogers, having played for him as a member of the Cougars women's basketball team at Concordia University, Chicago during all four years of her career.  

During her time as a member of the Cougars, Jacobsen amassed over 1,000-career points, and also averaged a team-high 18.3 points per game to go along with 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game during her senior campaign.  

She then went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Concordia Chicago in exercise science in May, 2018 before continuing her education while serving as a graduate assistant at NAIA Div. II women's basketball powerhouse, Concordia University, Nebraska.

She spent two years as a member of the Bulldog's coaching staff during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.  During that time the team totaled a 67-5 overall record en route to winning back-to-back conference championships, as well as also taking home the 2018-19 NAIA Div. II National Championship.

She earned her master's of athletic administration in May, 2020 and decided to take her first full-time job as an assistant coach, joining her former coach in the process. 


Tesia Harris


Tesia Harris is a coach, trainer, educator, and philanthropic relations professional. She has been putting together philanthropic & sporting events since 2013. Her passion for helping others has always been her drive and purpose in life.

Harris began her collegiate basketball career at the University of Delaware and as a sophomore she led the team with 13.6 points per game and made 51 three-pointers. Those numbers led her to Colonial Athletic Association Second Team honors, being voted the team’s most valuable player and earning the Blue Hen Basketball Club Outstanding Achievement Award. She transferred to St. John’s (NY) for her senior season and in her career, she finished with 1,016 career points. In her one season at St. John’s the team advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, finishing the season ranked 14th by the Associated Press. Harris graduated St. Johns University with a bachelor’s degree in English, a minor in sociology before completing a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Liberty University.

From 2012-2013, Harris played professionally in one of the top divisions in Slovakia. She made the move from professional basketball to enter the coaching world. She coached at the Division I level for three years, where she was responsible for assisting specifically with guard skill development and team’s offense.

Harris is currently an educator and client relations manager. She is responsible for the day-to-day activities of professional athletes as well as managing branding, social media strategies, and philanthropic events.


Theodore Henderson-Brown


Theodore Henderson-Brown has been coaching and directing basketball camps and clinics for over 10 years. He has worked with players of all ages and skill levels and is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of the game as well as overall skill development.

While attending Needham Public Schools, Theo achieved All-Tournament Team and Baystate Conference All-Star honors as a Varsity athlete. Post high school, he attended Dean College and earned All-Region Team honors where they won the Region XXl Championship. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Worcester State University majoring in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology.

Currently, Theo is attaining his Masters Degree for School Counseling, while also serving as the METCO Elementary School Coordinator and School Adjustment Counselor for Reading Public Schools. He has passion for basketball and a great ability to connect with aspiring players.


Tramel Barnes


Coach Tramel Barnes is in his fifth season as assistant coach for Southwest Minnesota State Men's Basketball.

In 2016-17, SMSU had one of its best seasons in school history, tying a school record with 28 victories, while capturing the NSIC South Division and NSIC Tournament championships. SMSU also advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history, before losing to eventual national champion Northwest Missouri State in the region championship.

SMSU has recorded 72 victories during his four seasons as assistant coach, which included a 19-win season and an appearance in the NSIC tournament semifinals in 2013-14.

Prior to joining the SMSU staff, Barnes completed a five-year collegiate playing career at a pair of NSIC schools. He started his career at Northern State University (2008-10), appearing in 48 games with eight starts in two seasons, before transferring to SMSU in 2010.

Following a red shirt season in 2010-11, Barnes played in 60 career games for the Mustangs scoring 351 points and grabbing 231 rebounds, while dishing out 159 assists. He finished his SMSU career shooting 82.8 percent from the free throw line ranking sixth in program history. As a senior in 2012-13, he averaged 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and ranked second on the squad with 85 assists.

Barnes is a 2013 graduate of SMSU with a degree in sports management. He earned his master’s degree at SMSU in physical education.

This will be coach Barnes' second season with Breakthrough Basketball.


Tre'Vion Beverly


Tre'Vion Beverly is the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Owens Community College. She is involved in all facets of the program, including player development, strength and conditioning, and recruiting. 

Tre'Vion worked as an assistant coach at Cleveland Central Catholic High School before coming to Owens. She also worked as a graduate assistant and assistant coach at The University of Northwestern Ohio while pursuing a Masters of Business Administration. She presently possesses Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and a degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning.

Tre'Vion has coached and trained numerous players who has gone on to play college basketball and play professionally. She prides herself on building relationships with players, instructing the game of basketball while also including life lessons, and creating a healthy and energetic environment.


Troy Slavin



Troy Slavin graduated from Northeast High School where he was selected First Team All CNC League and All Tournament Team at the Riverton Invitational while averaging 19 points a game, with a CNC season high game of 35 pts. An athletic six foot guard known for his leaping ability, Troy once shattered a backboard and led the CNC in dunks his senior year.

Troy accepted a basketball scholarship to Fort Scott Community College but injuries soon ended his college career. He went on to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Radio and TV Production from Kent State University, and began a career in professional broadcasting for some of the nation's premiere radio stations. At 35, he was nominated for radio's highest honor, the Marconi Award, as the nation's best Large Market Personality. At 37, he was awarded the Butterfly Award, the highest honor given by the Children's Cancer Research Fund, for his work in raising over six million dollars to find a cure.

During his radio career Troy stayed connected to basketball and kids, coaching at St. John the Baptist in Minnesota and playing in exhibition games against the University of Kentucky and Deion Sanders' Dallas Cowboy All Stars. His career took him inside Minnesota Timberwolves practice with Kevin McHale and Sam Mitchell, and on the court to learn a few tricks from the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.

His expertise teaching shooting helped his son, Nic Slavin become the Sunflower Player of the Year in Kansas and First Team All State, In a record breaking Senior Year, Nic recorded 4 of the top 5 scoring games in school history and ended his career with the highest career and season averages in Olathe South history. His 44 points broke a 20 year old record held by fellow Breakthrough Coach and Wyoming Alum, Brett McFall. 


Ty Searles


Searles is currently an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Lawrence Tech University. He joined the staff in 2020 after a stellar two-year career for the Blue Devils.

He is the Owner of Trust You Training Skill Development and has coached and developed players from all levels from NBA to elementary school.

A native of Pontiac, Michigan. Earned Bachelors in Business Administration and a masters degree in Business Administration, Project Management from Lawrence Technological University.

Searles earned NAIA All-American Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 2018-19 as he averaged 24.6 ppg to lead the WHAC in scoring. The First Team All-WHAC selection helped guide Lawrence Tech to their first-ever WHAC Tournament appearance.


Tyler Long


Tyler Long begins his fifth season with the University of Central Missouri basketball program in 2020-21 and second as the Graduate Assistant. Long serves in a variety of capacities within the team, assisting the UCM staff with practice, equipment, travel, video work, and day-to-day operations.
 
He is a 2016 Warrensburg High School graduate, where he played for head coach Chris Nimmo and the Tigers. Tyler is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Sport Management from UCM.

Tyler has been an assistant coach for Breakthrough Basketball for several years and has travelled with Jim Huber to his camps to learn directly from him.


Tyler Whitcomb


Coach Whitcomb is currently the Head Coach of the Developmental Team and Assistant Varsity Coach at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Tyler makes innovative basketball videos with Championship Productions.

Previously, Coach Whitcomb was the Principal at Martin High School

Tyler started off his coaching career at the age of 19 as a student assistant College basketball coach at Kalamazoo Valley Community College which lead to him becoming an assistant coach on some very good college teams under a Hall of Fame coach. During that time, he helped with the basketball camps and ran basketball camps all over the nation. In one summer, he worked 12 different basketball camps including; Five Star, Reebok’s Bobby Hurley camp, McCracken camp, Bradley University, KVCC, Shooting camps, Grand Valley State, Camp of Champions, and Calvin.

Coach Whitcomb continued to work camps and climb the ladder to one day being a Head Varsity Basketball coach and running his own camps and great programs. On his way up the ladder, he was a Professional basketball owner of the Grand Rapids Flight and later the Holland Blast of the International Basketball League. Coach had a team that was the highest scoring team in all of basketball with a 144 ppg. 


Tyrone Whipple


Tyrone is a basketball instructor with over 30 years of coaching experience. He owns and operates a developmental sports academy, Impact Sports, out of Fort Morgan, Colorado. In addition, he has a degree in Physical Education and a passion for teaching the game of basketball to players of all ages and skill levels and improving the lives of youth through character-based athletic development.

Tyrone works as an Athletic Director, Activities Coordinator, and senior coach counselor at a residential charter school and treatment facility for adjudicated youth. Tyrone has worked in youth corrections for over 30 years.

As a player, he was a standout three sport athlete in high school and two sport athlete in college. He played under the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Dan McKiernan at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. Coach McKiernan ignited Tyrone's passion for being a developmental coach when he let him work as a volunteer assistant at his Pikes Peak area camp.

Tyrone's most memorable coaching memory was as an assistant at Resurrection Christian in 2019-2020 under future Hall-of-Fame coach and mentor Bruce Dick. Tyrone proved himself to be an invaluable asset to the team and helped lead the team to 25-0. 

He has assisted at numerous Breakthrough Basketball camps over six years before making the much deserved transition to Lead Coach 


Vincent DeLisio


DeLisio is currently the Head Women's Basketball coach at Hesston College. He has spent 11 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. This includes stops at UCM, Southwest Baptist University, Cameron University, and most recently Friends University.

He was an assistant coach at Friends and also served as Falcon’s interim head coach. Before that, DeLisio was a graduate assistant women’s basketball coach at Cameron University. He also served as a graduate assistant for the Southwest Baptist University men’s basketball team along with a five-year tenure as a student assistant coach at the University of Central Missouri.

Coaching accomplishments include 3 NCAA Division II national tournament appearances, 1 NCAA Division II conference championship, 1 Daktronics player of the year, multiple all league players at the Division II and NAIA level.

DeLisio has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from the University of Central Missouri. He has been an assistant coach with Breakthrough Basketball for 5 years and has been able to directly learn from Jim Huber and Don Kelbick.


Wes Wilkinson


Wes Wilkinson is a former professional basketball player from Grand Island NE. He was a top 100 prospect and won two HS championships while at Grand Island. He then played for the University of Nebraska from 2002-06. By his senior year, Wes was nominated by his teammates and coaches as the team MVP and the Weightlifter of the Year. Award.  After graduating from Nebraska with his degree in Business Administration, he had a short stint with the Boston Celtics, Summer League, playing under Doc Rivers. After being released from the Celtics, Wes signed his first professional contract to play for Aalst, Belgium. In ten years of playing professionally overseas, Wes won six Championships and accumulated many personal accolades along the way. He was also recently inducted into the Grand Island High School Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Although Wes is retired from playing professionally, his passion for the game has not diminished. This naturally developed into “Wilkinson Hoops”.  Basketball has provided Wes a unique platform in which he can share his knowledge and personal experiences to help teach, guide and develop the next generation of players, both on and off the court.”


Weslee Wilson

Weslee Wilson is one of our Lead Instructors and full-time Customer Support Specialist 

Wilson is the former Associate Head Women’s Basketball coach at the NAIA Division I, Indiana University Northwest located in Gary, Indiana (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference)

Wilson was Associate Head Coach for the team with the most wins in school history, while being the only individual to compete at the NAIA National Tournament as both a player and a coach

Prior to coaching 3 years at IUN, Wilson finished her 4 year career for the Redhawks in 2018 graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology

Scored over 1,000 points,  2x Captain, 3x starter, Newcomer of the Year Recipient, Academic All-Conference Player, Redhawk Award Recipient

Fifteenth overall in individual stat leaders in Indiana and 46th in the country for free throw percentage (79.5%) in 2018

Four sport high school athlete, still holding 4 school records in track and soccer at South Knox High School in Vincennes, IN (2014)


Willie Williams


  • Over 11 years as a College Head Men’s Basketball Coach

  • Named the NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year 4x

  • Regional Championship Team 6x (Coached)

  • 3rd Place National Tournament Finish-2022 (Coached)

  • Multiple NCCAA All-Scholar Athletes, Players of the Week, All-Region Players, All-American Players (Coached)

  • Former Head Coach at Carolina University, Nebraska Christian College, and Grace University.

  •  4-Year Starter & 2x Captain (Player)

  • National Champion, Regional Champion, Conference Champion, All-Conference Selection, All-Region Selection, All-Scholar Selection (NCCAA-Player)

  • Leading camps at Breakthrough Basketball since 2018

  • Currently serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Carolina University


Zack Fields


Coach Fields finished up his playing career at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS in 2022.  

Zack has been assisting at Breakthrough Basketball Camps since he was a Freshman in college.  He now leads several camps a year across the country for Breakthrough and can be seen on some of our videos.  .

Zack was Captain of his Olathe South High School basketball team where he received 2nd team All-Sunflower & Kansas City All-Star selections.

He went on to play at
 Clarke University where he received the Heart of America Freshman of the Year award. He then played 3 years of Divison II basketball at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO.

He has been an assistant coach for Breakthrough Basketball for the last 5 years including travelling alongside Jim Huber and Troy Slavin to assist at many of their camps. He also attended Breakthrough Basketball camps as a high school player.