MENTORSHIP
Coaches
KJ Lett
Born in Moss Point, MS and raised in Manassas, VA, KJ Lett played JUCO basketball at CCBC Catonsville in Baltimore, MD before earning a scholarship to play at Robert Morris University in Chicago.
With extensive training experience, KJ has worked with elite basketball camps nationwide and coordinated clinics for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA while part of their sponsorship department.
As a skills developer for Ground Zero, he works with grassroots and professional athletes alike. He also coached high school basketball at De La Salle Institute from 2021 to 2024. Currently, KJ serves as the Director of Basketball and Head 17U Coach for the Midwest Renegade AAU program.
Marc Howard
11 years Head Coach at Romeoville
Over 40 players playing college basketball at various levels. Over 100 career IHSA win.
Asst. Manager Romeoville Athletic and Event Center
MS, Western Kentucky
Quentin Demeritte
An elite skills trainer/coach born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. Has more than a decade of professional experience in numerous countries like Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Kosovo and Spain.
Represented the Bahamas in various capacities; 4 years as a member of the Junior National Team and 4 years on the Bahamas Senior Team.
Currently serving as the Head JV girls coach at Oak Park River Forest!!!
USA Gold License Coach
FIBA certified levels I and II
IHSA certified
Myriah Pair
An experienced basketball coach with a diverse coaching background and background as a player at South Suburban College and Robert Morris University as well.
Over the years, Myriah desired to give back
to the community and become involved with the youth, which led to an interest in
coaching.
Currently, Myriah is working with the Jr. Huskies program in Oak Park. Within the first year, the team won 1st place for the entire women’s league.
Previously served as an Assistant Coach at Deer Creek Elementary (2019-2020),
Chatham Academy (2019-2022) for both
boys’ program and as Head Coach for the girls’ program.
Served as Head Coach for the Sophomore Team at Shepard High School (2022-2023), where the team earned a 3rd place finish in the Mercury Christmas Tournament, a placement feat that hadn't been accomplished in years.
Throughout Myriah's coaching career, the focus has been on skill development and mentorship, helping athletes improve both
on and off the court.
Myriah’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that with hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset, any athlete—regardless of size or ability—can achieve their goals.
Jahmar Francis
With over 18 years of basketball experience both on and off the court, Jahmar Francis brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to coaching. Having coached for seven years across various AAU and feeder programs on the North Shore of Chicago, he has developed a reputation for fostering skill development, teamwork, and a strong understanding of the game.
As a former competitive player, he can provide firsthand insight into the dedication and commitment required to excel at the sport. In addition to coaching, he has officiated basketball games for nearly 12 years, gaining a deep understanding of the game’s rules, nuances, and dynamics, which enhances his ability to teach players how to play the game with discipline and strategic awareness.
His approach to coaching emphasizes creating a positive, growth-oriented environment where players not only develop their skills but also build confidence and teamwork.
Tyler Oden
Played varsity basketball for Marist RedHawks. Played collegiate basketball at Concordia University Chicago and Morton College.
Coached at King College Prep (20-23) as an assistant varsity coach, JV co-head coach, and freshman head coach.
Led teams to Regional Championship, JV conference champs (22/23), and freshman playoffs (21/22, 22/23).
Coached AAU basketball for 3 years, starting with Meanstreets and moving to Midwest Renegade Basketball Club.
Julian Hardy
A Park Forest native.
During high school, he was a two-sport athlete at Rich East High School running track and playing basketball.
After graduating, Hardy received a basketball scholarship to Governors State University (GSU), where he received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 2019. Upon the conclusion of his playing career, Hardy spent 4 years as a member of the men’s basketball coaching staff at GSU (2019 - 2023).
He currently serves as the top assistant basketball coach at Marian Catholic High School (2023 - present)
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Octavius Parker II
Parker brings a wealth of experience and skill to the court, played four years of varsity-level in high school, collegiate-level and playing professionally overseas. His background showcases a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the game developed through diverse competitive environments. Known for his strategic playmaking, resilience, and leadership, Octavius leverages his extensive experience to inspire and help coach the youth and elevate every part of there game
Chrishawn Cook
Cook brings experience as he builds on his Division 1 point guard history at Southern Illinois in Carbondale, IL, his Division 1 JUCO at Ranger college, Texas), and his time at Carthage College University, Division III.
While leading his team in steals, he also completed his Bachelors in Communication and his Masters in Education at Carthage College.
The goal is to make basketball fun, educational, and inspiring. By teaching the kids the fundamentals and by showing them how the game teaches teamwork, effort, and persistence, you can foster a lifelong love for the sport that builds character and teaches life skills.
In addition to his former roles as Assistant Varsity Coach at King College Prep High School, Cook is currently serving in his second year as Head Coach at Wentworth Elementary School
Jerome "Coach J" Anderson
Basketball was always an outlet for him to compete with other players while challenging himself to improve over time.
One of his biggest hurdles in basketball was getting cut during 7th grade year due to behavior but also asking the coach how can I improve the following year.
The fuel to the flame made him want to improve, which led him to make the team following year and earn a starting position.
During Anderson's high school years, he enjoyed playing basketball through AAU programs and traveling to see the different competition that existed.
His experience with the youth has consisted of mentoring students to become emerging leaders in their communities while substitute teaching to bring academic balance for those who want to excel in the education system.