Coaches Corner
This is where From The Bottom 2 The Top Hoops takes a look at some of the great coaches on the varsity level nationwide. These are the people behind the scenes bringing the talent on the courts to fruition. Training the next generation for greatness. Encouraging athletes to push forward and Inspiring them to want more on and off the court.
Dermon Player, Riverside Church
Get advice from coach Dermon Player considered to be one of the best coaches here in NYC hands down. This man is responsible for changing lives. Living Legend right here.
Tiny Morton, Nazareth H.S.
Morton is a winner! You have witnessed his extraordinary skill level if you’re a fan of NYC basketball. And nothing will change now that he is the head coach at Nazareth High School. Morton coached at Lincoln H.S. and led them to 9 PSAL championships and 4 State championships. While at Lincoln H.S. Morton coached NBA talents Sebastian Telfair,Lance Stephenson and Isaiah Whitehead.
Joe and Jamar Hunter, Wadleigh H.S.
Joe and Jamar Hunter is changing the game of hoops and making moves in Harlem, New York.Putting Harlem basketball back on the map and doing wonderful things for the Wadleigh Tigers.
Jorge Lopez, St. Raymond H.S.
We really enjoyed the interview with Mr. Lopez and discovered some fascinating things going on at St. Raymond H.S. Lopez focuses on education at a high level infusing basketball athleticism and learning. That says a lot about his vision, support for athletes and hoops program.
Ruth Lovelace, Boys and Girls H.S.
Brooklyn Tough. Ruth Lovelace is the first female coach to lead a boys high school basketball team. Currently in her 28th season, Lovelace has won 17 straight playoff appearances as the boys coach for Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. “Coach Love” as she’s known to students is heavy on tough love, but instills lifelong lessons to ensure success with all her players on and off the court.
Sharman White, Miller Grove H.S.
Sharman White who coaches at Miller Grove, is the two-time defending Class AAAA state champion. White has six players who have been offered college scholarships. Tony Parker, a 6-foot-9, 270-pound power forward, is the No. 1 recruiting target. When asked about Parkers achievement, White stated proudly, “It’s pretty cool!”
Bobby Hurley Sr., St. Anthony H.S.
Robert Matthew “Bob” Hurley, Sr. is the basketball coach at St. Anthony high school in Jersey City, New Jersey. Hurley has amassed 26 state championships and more than 1000 wins in 39 years as a coach. Creating a national powerhouse record despite older facilities and financial limitations. On February 2, 2011, Hurley became the tenth coach in high school history to win 1000 games. Five of his teams have gone undefeated, including his 2007-08 team. On April 5, 2010, he was announced as the only coach to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. And, only the third high-school coach in history to be so honored.
Steve Smith, Oak Hill Academy
For the ninth time in his illustrious coaching career, Steve Smith’s Oak Hill Academy Warriors are being recognized as a national champion. Following a 44-0 season that wrapped up with an exhibition tour of China, OHA is No. 1 in the final edition of the inaugural MaxPreps Academy Top 10. The barnstorming Warriors beat teams from 13 states, the District of Columbia and Canada en route to their seventh perfect record under Smith. The rural Virginia school captured tournaments titles at the Chick-fil-A Classic in South Carolina and Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon along the way.
Mike Peck, Findlay Prep H.S.
Peck, 41, recently completed his fourth year at Findlay, which is affiliated with the Henderson (Nev.) International School. His record is 122-7, including two National High School Invitational championships in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Robert Smith, Simeon Career Academy
Smith has compiled a 230-37 record in eight years at Simeon. His former players include Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, UCLA senior guard Lazeric Jones, Memphis junior center Stan Simpson and Kansas State junior guard Jeremy Jones.