Coaches

Coach Jayla Jones-Pack started her basketball career at St. Anthony’s High School where she led her team to 3 Long Island Championships in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and 2 NY State Championships in 2015 and 2016. She was named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the Catholic League in 2015 and 2016. Upon graduation she attended D1 Seton Hall and transferred to D1 North Carolina A&T. She was selected to the All-Conference Defensive Team in 2020 and 2021. Both of those years she played a major role in NC A&T becoming MEAC Conference Champions. She was awarded the MVP of the MEAC Tournament and helped lead her team to a D1 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Coach Anthony Davis began his basketball career at Holy Cross High School where he played 4 years. He was named CHSAA All-Diocesan Team twice and All New York City third team in his senior year. The AAU team that he played for was one of the top teams in the country playing alongside former pros God Shammgod and Ron Artest. Upon graduation he was recruited to some top D1 schools but decided to stay local attending Hofstra University where he played 4 years under now Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright. He played alongside Speedy Claxton and Norm Richardson. Afterwards he played professionally in France. Anthony still has a legendary name in the New York basketball scene and was one of the best pure scorers and long distance shooters around. Currently, he is the Assistant Coach for LuHi’s Regional team.

Coach Ashley Jackson started her basketball career at Amityville Memorial High School where she was a 4-year starter. From there she went to Nassau Community College where she continued her education and basketball career then transferred to York College of Pennsylvania where she completed her college career. After College she began coaching at Nassau Community College for 2 years as the Assistant Head Coach for the Women’s Basketball Team where she helped build the foundation of a strong program. Ashley was previously the Head Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach at Amityville Memorial High School. Additionally, Ashley is currently a clinician for the Long Island Nets.

Coach Chris Coalman started his high school career at St. Mary’s for 2 years where he played major minutes and helped them get to the Catholic School Championship and Semifinals on Long Island. He transferred to LuHi as an upperclassmen and was named 1st Team All-Long Island and All-State as a senior. He capped his career scoring 1,500 points. He received a D1 scholarship to play at Robert Morris and after 2 years transferred to Adelphi University where he was a star player for the team. He is currently a Graduate Assistant there looking to achieve his Master’s Degree.

Coach Jerrel “Tex” Harris grew up in Texas where he started his basketball career at Pinkston High School where he was one of the top scorers in the state. He helped lead the team to one of the best records in school history. From there he went to prep school at Bridgeton Academy where he won a championship. After that he went to the University of Tampa where he helped the team to the best start in school history at 17-0. The next year he transferred to Dowling College where he helped lead the team to the #1 seed in the conference. After College Jerrell has worked at and ran camps around the country including the Big 3 camp with former NBA player Kenyon Martin. He has also worked with NBA players Raymond Felton and Yogi Ferrell. Tex is currently one of the Head Skills Coaches for High School National Powerhouse LuHi.

Coach Luke Wandrusch played at Chaminade High School and walked-on to D1 Loyola University Maryland. He played all 4 years that included a 2012 MAAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. After college Luke worked briefly in finance before moving to Germany to start his coaching career. He was an assistant coach of MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg from 2015 to 2017 which included 2 playoff seasons and worked with NBA players such as Royce O’Neale, Jon Brockman and DJ Kennedy as well as coaches John Patrick and Martin Schiller. While living in Germany Luke also played in the German Regionalliga. In April he moved back to New York. He brings his international basketball knowledge and skills to Level Up.

Coach Julian Kleisler started his high school basketball career at Babylon High School. He played Varsity for 3 years where he was a highly valued player known for his work ethic and high energy. After high school he continued his passion for basketball and began mentoring as an Assistant Coach for D2 NYIT.  Coach Julian’s performance helped his players and coaching staff lead NY Tech to make the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. He has extensive experience working with athletes in helping them further develop their skills, basketball IQ and overall love for the game. He is currently in his third year in the architecture program at NYIT and is expecting to graduate in the spring of 2024.

Coach Kevin Meilella started his basketball career at Kellenberg Memorial High School. He was 2-year starter and led his team to the playoffs both years. After high school, Kevin played at Mount Saint Mary College where he was a 3-year starter and he qualified as a 4-year Skyline Honor Roll player. In his sophomore year Kevin was named MSMC Most Improved Player. Coach Milella’s senior year was full of accomplishments finishing the season with the best record in school history, scoring his 1,000th point and becoming an ECAC champion for the first time in school history. He continued his love and passion for basketball after graduation by becoming a coach and a referee and is excited to be a part of the Level Up LI organization.