Basketball Coaching Staff

Coach Bryan Johnikin brings over 40 years of coaching experience to Team Hali, establishing himself as one of the most respected leaders among basketball coaches. Throughout his career, he has guided over 100 collegiate student-athletes and 15 professional players, including stars like NBA Champion Kevon Looney, Deonte Burton, and NBA All Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tyrese Haliburton.

Known for his deep knowledge of the game and his commitment to athlete development, Coach Johnikin is passionate about teaching life lessons through basketball. He has built a legacy of excellence, focusing on discipline, mentorship, and growth in team coaching that has positively impacted generations of athletes, preparing them for success both on and off the court.

Coach Josh Russell has been instrumental in athlete development for over 20 years, nurturing talent and creating pathways to the highest levels of basketball. His coaching journey includes mentoring several Division I student-athletes and facilitating their transition to the professional ranks through effective team coaching.

Among his most notable success stories is Tyrese Haliburton — NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist — whose growth and development were significantly influenced by Coach Russell’s mentorship and coaching.

Renowned for his passion, dedication, and ability to connect with athletes, Coach Russell emphasizes discipline, fundamentals, and leadership both on and off the court. His unwavering commitment to excellence has made a lasting impact on every player he has worked with.

Coach Vance Burnside has been a prominent figure in athlete development for over 12 years, earning recognition for his work as one of the leading basketball coaches. He has successfully prepared numerous athletes for the next level, including Division I standout Kaleim Taylor and professional player Alex Antetokounmpo. Coach Burnside's commitment to team coaching emphasizes fundamentals, work ethic, and mental toughness. His talent for mentoring athletes both on and off the court has established him as a trusted leader, playing a crucial role in helping players reach their goals.

Coach Rick Fowler has been coaching for over 10 years, driven by his passion for the game and his commitment to athlete development. His coaching philosophy centers on building strong fundamentals, instilling discipline, and fostering confidence in his players, which is essential for effective team coaching. Known for his supportive yet competitive approach, Coach Fowler ensures that every athlete he coaches grows both on and off the court. His dedication and mentorship continue to make a lasting impact on the student-athletes he serves.

Coach Devon Preyer brings his background as both a former player and a skilled trainer to his role, utilizing his experience to enhance athlete development among student-athletes. His firsthand knowledge of the game allows him to connect with players on a deeper level, helping them improve their skills, understand the game, and reach their full potential. 

Dedicated to progress on and off the court, Coach Preyer emphasizes hard work, discipline, and growth in his team coaching approach, ensuring every athlete he works with has the tools to succeed.

Coach Chauncey Russell brings valuable experience as a basketball coach from his time as an assistant coach at both Trinidad State and Indian Hills, two respected programs known for producing high-level talent. He applies the lessons learned at the collegiate level to enhance athlete development, helping his student-athletes grow, compete, and prepare for the demands of the next stage in their basketball journeys. 

Dedicated to both skill development and mentorship, Coach Russell leverages his knowledge and passion for the game in team coaching, pushing players to maximize their potential both on and off the court.

Coach Brian Terrell brings the perspective of a former Division I athlete to his role, using his experience at the highest collegiate level to guide and inspire his players. His passion for athlete development drives his coaching, as he is dedicated to seeing youth succeed both in basketball and in life. 

With a focus on fundamentals, discipline, and personal growth, Coach Terrell challenges his student-athletes to reach their potential. As one of the dedicated basketball coaches, he serves as a mentor who supports their academic and personal development. His commitment ensures that every athlete he coaches is prepared to excel both on and off the court, embodying the essence of effective team coaching.

Coach Brian Tribune thrives as a basketball coach because of his passion for athlete development and teaching young men through the game of basketball. He is committed to helping athletes grow not only as players but also as individuals, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. 

With a focus on mentorship and team coaching, Coach Tribune creates an environment where student-athletes are pushed to improve their skills, build confidence, and prepare for success on and off the court.

Coach Keelyn Tyler I utilizes his experience as a former Division I student-athlete under Coach Tom Crean at Marquette University to mentor and develop the next generation of players through effective athlete development strategies. As the founder of brandMKE NIL marketing business, Coach Tyler is dedicated to empowering student-athletes to achieve not only athletic success but also to build long-term wealth and equity. Throughout his coaching career, Coach Tyler has guided 55 collegiate student-athletes, including 14 at the Division I level and 3 who have transitioned to professional careers, showcasing his effectiveness as one of the leading basketball coaches in team coaching.

Coach Keith Bearden brings 30 years of coaching experience and a proven track record in athlete development, helping student-athletes reach their full potential. Throughout his career, he has guided numerous athletes to earn college scholarships, combining his deep knowledge of basketball with a dedication to mentorship and personal growth. 

Known for his commitment to teaching fundamentals, building discipline, and fostering leadership, Coach Bearden ensures that every athlete he works with grows both on and off the court. His decades of experience as one of the top basketball coaches make him a trusted guide for student-athletes striving for success in their sport and beyond.

Coach Mel Cook brings over 10 years of coaching experience as a basketball coach and a unique perspective as a parent of a Division I student-athlete. By combining his coaching expertise with firsthand knowledge of the recruiting and collegiate process, he effectively guides student-athletes in their athlete development, helping them enhance their skills, navigate opportunities, and prepare for success both on and off the court. 

Dedicated to mentorship, discipline, and personal growth, Coach Cook focuses on team coaching and assists athletes in maximizing their potential while fostering confidence, teamwork, and leadership.

Coach Daishawn Dillard is new to coaching but brings a wealth of experience as a top guard in the state. His skills and knowledge are pivotal in athlete development, as he focuses on mentoring young athletes. With firsthand experience competing at a high level, he effectively teaches fundamentals, leadership, and game intelligence to the next generation of players. Passionate about team coaching and skill development, Coach Dillard is dedicated to helping youth athletes grow both on and off the court, fostering confidence, discipline, and a love for the game.

Coach Mell Heard is dedicated to athlete development, focusing on nurturing student-athletes both on and off the court. He emphasizes the values of mentoring, commitment, and philanthropy. As one of the dedicated basketball coaches, he guides athletes to reach their full potential, fostering skill development, discipline, and leadership. 

In addition to his role in team coaching, Coach Heard is committed to giving back to the community. He not only teaches the game of basketball but also instills life lessons that help players grow as individuals, preparing them for success in sports, academics, and life.

Coach Darren Hudon leverages his extensive experience as a trainer to support athlete development among student-athletes, helping them enhance their skills and understanding of the game. His coaching approach emphasizes fundamentals, technique, and basketball IQ, ensuring that each athlete maximizes their potential. 

Committed to mentorship and growth, Coach Hudon collaborates closely with players in team coaching to build confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic, preparing them for success both on and off the court.

Coach Gary Joseph brings a unique perspective to team coaching, combining his experience as a former player with his role as a parent-coach. He uses his firsthand knowledge of the game to teach fundamentals, strategy, and leadership, while also understanding the importance of guidance and support for young athletes. Dedicated to athlete development and mentorship, Coach Joseph helps student-athletes grow both on and off the court, fostering confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Coach William Rayford is dedicated to athlete development, helping student-athletes reach their full potential by focusing on teaching fundamentals and instilling a strong work ethic. His approach as one of the leading basketball coaches emphasizes skill development, discipline, and the importance of consistent effort both on and off the court. 

With a commitment to mentorship and growth, Coach Rayford’s team coaching encourages athletes to push themselves, improve every day, and develop the habits necessary for success in basketball and in life.

Coach Dennis Thomas brings over 20 years of coaching experience and a unique perspective as a parent-coach to his role. He is passionate about athlete development, mentoring student-athletes to enhance not only their basketball skills but also the leadership qualities and life skills essential for success. 

Dedicated to guiding the next generation, Coach Thomas emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and personal growth through effective team coaching, inspiring athletes to become confident, responsible leaders both on and off the court.

Coach Sedale Washington leverages his experience as a former player to guide and mentor young athletes, focusing on athlete development. His firsthand knowledge of the game enables him to teach essential fundamentals, game strategy, and leadership skills, which helps student-athletes grow both on and off the court. 

Passionate about youth development, Coach Washington emphasizes the importance of building confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic through effective team coaching, preparing players to succeed in basketball and in life.