Former State Champion Returns to Booker as Head Coach

SARASOTA, FL – Ten years ago, Markus Black was the starting point guard for Booker High School’s state championship-winning boys basketball team. He’ll now look to do the same from the bench.

Black was named the new varsity boys basketball coach for Booker High School. He replaces Phil Helmuth, who was also named the school’s athletic director on Thursday, July 21.

In 2006, Black graduated from Booker after participating in the school’s Visual and Performing Arts program. He graduated from Florida A&M University with a degree in graphic design. He stayed in sports after graduation, serving an internship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers creative marketing programs.

Black coached Booker’s junior varsity boys team for the 2015-16 school year and ended with an undefeated record. He credits his coach from his state championship year, Derrick Krice, for teaching him much of what he knows about basketball and about being a head coach.

Black said he wanted to focus on returning glory and attention to the Booker High School Athletics Department and to the school at large.

“Even with the VPA program bringing a lot of positive attention to the school, people don’t realize what a great school Booker is,” he said. “I feel like it’s a gem. We’ve had so many athletic championships, but somewhere along the line, that got lost. I want to help restore that.”

Black said he hopes to join Booker’s teaching staff in the 2016-17 school year as well.

Representatives from Booker High School’s administration and athletics departments see the potential in Black to achieve those goals.

“Markus is a phenomenal asset to the school,” said Booker High School Principal Rachel Shelley. “His connection with the kids and the rapport he’s managed to establish are just incredible. I am very confident he’ll help our athletes not only be great on the court, but find success after high school.”

Helmuth, who has worked with Black for a few years, said he thinks the new head coach will take the team to new heights.

“Markus has certain intangibles that are going to serve him well,” Helmuth said. “I believe he’s one of the up-and-coming coaches in the area.”

Black’s attention this year will be focused on increasing enthusiasm among the team members, school and community.

“I’m going to bring back the hard work and grit that Booker’s known for,” Black said. “And I think we’re going to shock a lot of people. Everyone in the Booker Nation better get ready and be prepared for what’s to come.”

Image courtesy of Sarasota County Schools

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