Jaleel Marcus, originally from Brooklyn, NY, first started playing basketball around the age of 8. He later moved to Woodstock, GA and attended Woodstock High School lettering 3 years. Although offered an opportunity to play college ball at Webster University, Jaleel had family obligations and turned down the offer to stay close to home.

After HS he started his venture of training local players in the area. Jaleel has been coaching and training with the Wood Elite program since 2018. Coach Jaleel is a motivating coach who displays leadership and patience. As a student of the game he dedicates his time and effort to develop each player in all areas of their game. As a father of two, he has the natural instincts to lead and patience to guide. His drive and motivation inspires his players to be the best they can be on and off the court.

Coach Josiah Jackson attended high school for one year before taking the ACT at 13 and then attending Reinhardt University. At 14 Josiah became the camera man for the men and women basketball teams. Shortly after he began to practice with Reinhardt women’s basketball team as a scout player. He also was allowed to work out with the men’s team as well.

Since leaving Reinhardt he has became Athletic Director and Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at CORE Community School. In addition, Josiah trains local youth basketball players. Coach Josiah also works with Wood Elite as Summer Camp Director and serves as a basketball coach in the Wood Elite travel ball program.

Coach Lauren Mullinax started playing basketball when she was in the first grade. She went to Cherokee High School in Canton, Georgia where she made the varsity team as a shooting guard her freshman year. Throughout her high school career she made it to state twice, where once, she reached the sweet sixteen, and was voted captain both her junior and senior year by her teammates. She was also named the Cherokee Tribune Player of the Week her senior season and was a recipient of the Vincent J Dooley Award that is awarded to athletes chosen by their high school for their individual character, outstanding teamwork, and citizenship.

After high school she received a scholarship from Reinhardt University. Lauren’s freshman year at Reinhardt the team won the AAC NAIA Conference Championship and took a trip to Sioux City, Iowa for Nationals.

Since graduating college she has now become a coach and trainer. She is in her second year as the lay coach (community coach) for Creekview High School where I act as the JV Head Coach and Varsity assistant. She has been apart of the Wood Elite program since 2019 & is the head coach for the class of 2025 girls team.

Coach Ontarius Shelley (Coach O) from Rome, Ga. Started playing basketball at the age of 8 years old. He is an alumni of Rockmart High School. After high school Coach O’s high school Coach Jermaine Bigham was able to coordinate a tryout with Reinhardt University in which he was selected for the roster and would go on to play the next 4 years at Reinhardt.

Coach O came on board in Year 2 of the Wood Elite program & has now been apart of the program for 4 years. Coach O now serves as middle school boys coach in the Wood Elite travel basketball program, assists with the high school girls, & trains beginner and intermediate level athletes.