Coaches

Our experienced staff provides expert guidance that supports and challenges our student-athletes to achieve goals on and off the court.
Head Coach Justin Harden

NATIONAL HEAD COACH

JUSTIN HARDEN

16th Season as Head Coach

Since becoming head coach in 2009, Coach Harden has led the National Team to five SIAA State Championships (2013, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024) and has been named SIAA Coach of the Year five times.

Under Coach Harden, the National Team has won 20 or more games in 14 of the last 15 seasons on its way to a 371-166 (0.691) record overall.

Harden’s program has produced more than 40 NCAA Division 1 players. Many of those players have gone on to play professionally in the NBA, Europe, and Asia — including NBA all-star and 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.

In addition to his head coaching duties, Coach Harden also serves as Director of Boys Basketball and Student Life Director at The Rock.

NATIONAL STAFF

Coach Robert Troutman

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACHROBERT TROUTMAN

3rd Year With Program

Coach Troutman works with players individually and in group settings to help them grow and maximize their skill set. His knowledge and experience contribute heavily to The Rock’s culture of hard work, toughness, and player development.

Coach Ryan Jones

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER CARERYAN JONES SR.

10th Year With Program

Coach Jones oversees health and wellness for The Rock’s basketball program. By prioritizing nutrition and player care, he ensures athletes unlock their potential, extend their careers, and enjoy a competitive edge on the court.

Coach Perryn Ogelsby

RECRUITING COORDINATORPERRYN OGLESBY

6th Year With Program

Coach O leads the recruiting efforts at The Rock, connecting with coaches and scouts around the world on a daily basis. Also the team’s lead shooting coach, he applies his sharp eye to the fine details of skill development.

Coach Mackenzie Williams

ASSISTANT COACHMACKENZIE WILLIAMS

7th Year With Program

Coach Ken serves as assistant coach and skill development coach at The Rock. He specializes in defense, with specialized responsibility for player preparation, motivation, and in-game defensive adjustments.

VARSITY STAFF

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VARSITY HEAD COACHBRIAN FINDLEY

9th Year With Program

Coach B brings several years of championship experience to the varsity team, having previously served as assistant coach at every level of The Rock’s program. As a player and coach, he has 8 conference titles to his name.

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VARSITY ASSISTANT COACHSHERMAN MERRICKS

3rd Year With Program

Coach Sherm brings valuable knowledge as a former high school standout and collegiate National Champion. He leads strength and conditioning and skill development for varsity.

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GIRLS VARSITY HEAD COACHWES PHILLIPS

6th Year With Program

Coach Wes is the Head Coach of the Lady Lions after serving as head coach for the boys middle school teams, as well as assistant coach and strength and conditioning coordinator for the National Team.

JV & MS STAFF

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JV HEAD COACHMYKEIL WOODS

1st Year With Program

Coach Keil joins the staff after spending time as a player in The Rock program for 6 years. Having graduated in 2017, he understands what is required of players in the program and is an accomplished personal skill trainer.

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MS HEAD COACHNEWELL FOX

3rd Year With Program

Coach Fox brings energy and a winning attitude to the court as The Rock’s middle school varsity head coach. In his two years as the middle school JV head coach, he helped guide the team to back-to-back Kingdom of the Sun Championships.

The Rock School

THE ROCK LIONS

9818 SW 24th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 331-7625
contact@therockhoops.org

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