Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Branford High School Buccaneers boys basketball team is sporting a new face on its sidelines. Marcel Thomas is the new coach for the team, and he is fully focused on making the basketball team the best that it can be. 66 was born in 1984 in Baker County. He attended Baker County High School, graduating in 2003. He then made the jump to Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, graduating in 2010 with his bachelor’s in communications. While he touts all of this as a valuable experience throughout his educational experience, he had a secondary focus: sports. During his tenure in high school, he played football, making it to the playoffs as a running back. On top of that, he played basketball, making it all the way to the state finals. He continued his basketball career during college, which changed his love for the game even more. “It was a great experience,” Thomas said. “I really learned the game more in-depth.” He spoke about how he began to take it even more seriously because it also was his job as a student in college. He ended up playing in over 20 states during his college career. After all his education and his younger years spent mastering the game, Thomas saw his opportunity to take the next step. All his life, he had been told to be a leader. Thomas felt that his teammates had listened to him, and through hard work and dedication, he had helped lead his teams to innumerable victories. In high school, he won an award for being an outstanding leader, an award that many coaches received in their younger years. Thomas started his coaching career at his home high school in Baker County, where he spent two years as an assistant coach. Then, he made a jump to Fleming Island, where he would be head assistant coach for three years. Once again, though, Thomas felt the call back to home, so he made his way back to Baker County, where he served as head coach for seven years. Now, he has found himself in Branford serving as the head coach for Branford High School. “My reason for coaching is to give these guys opportunities to live their dreams,” he said. “It also gives me an opportunity to help them find their way.” As Thomas takes over, he has many plans for the students. “Success is found by preparing kids for the next level.” He plans to play a tough schedule, work on a tenacious defense and help the students do everything to achieve their dreams. He also plans on helping the students with standards versus purposes. Thomas explained that not every kid is meant to play at the next level; some have other purposes. However, they all will be held to the same minimum standard if they want to play on the team. He plans on teaching the boys positional basketball and preparing them for every situation that could arise. Finally, his ultimate goal is to make sure that the boys are having fun, whether that be in a humble victory or a head-held-high defeat. Thomas brings with him plenty of support as well. He loves Branford and the options it provides, especially for his two children. He is excited to see his 10-year-old son at school next year. On top of that, his 9-year-old daughter will be joining her brother at BHS in just a few short years. Thomas wants the community to know he and his family feel welcomed, and he encourages everyone to attend the Buccaneers' games. “Come out to the games! Support the Buccaneers! Support your local basketball, wherever you are.”