Buford Coaches

Meet the Coaches: Guiding the Wolves to Victory

At Buford High School, our basketball program is driven by a dedicated and talented coaching staff committed to fostering excellence on and off the court. Each coach brings a wealth of experience, a passion for the game, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build champions. Together, they shape not only skilled athletes but also strong leaders and outstanding individuals who uphold the values of the Buford Wolves.

Gene Durden

Personal:

Originally from Midville, GA
Played basketball at Coastal Community College and Georgia Southern University

Education:

Associate Degree in Business – Coastal Community College
Bachelor of Science in Business Education – Georgia Southern University

Coaching Experience:

36 years as a head coach
19 years as head girls’ coach at Buford High School

Achievements:

Winningest girls basketball coach in Georgia history
900th win on January 6th, 2023
10 state championship game appearances in the last 15 years
8 state championships with Buford Lady Wolves

Wes Parker

Personal:

From Vidalia, GA
Played College Basketball at Piedmont College for 4 years

Education:

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Broadfield Social Science – Piedmont College, 2008
Masters in Teaching – Piedmont College, 2009

Coaching Experience:

2015 – Present: Buford High School
2013 – 2015: North Gwinnett High School
2011 – 2013: Tattnall Square Academy
2009 – 2011: Edmund Burke Academy
2008 – 2009: Piedmont College

Emerson McClung

Personal:

From Alpharetta, GA
Played College Basketball at Emmanuel College for 4 years

Education:

Bachelor of History Education – Emmanuel College, 2020

Coaching Experience:

2022 – Present: Buford High School
2020 – 2022: Apalachee High School

Paul Villarroel

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in History – University of California, Santa Barbara, 2007
Minor in Exercise Science and Sports Studies
Masters of Science in Recreation and Sports Science – Ohio University, 2011

Coaching Experience:

2015 – Present: Buford High School
2013 – 2015: Greater Atlanta Christian School
2006 – 2013: Dos Pueblos High School (CA)

Chezley Watson

Personal:

From Gainesville, GA
Played College Basketball at University of Virginia (3 years) and West Georgia (1 year)

Education:

Bachelor of Science from University of North Georgia, 2017

Coaching Experience:

2013 – 2017: Jefferson High School
2018 – 2019: Flowery Branch High School
2020 – 2022: Cherokee Bluff High School
2022 – Present: Buford High School

Brent Martin

Family:

Wife: Lindsay (2011)
Children: Son – Charlie, Jack Henry, Daughter – Millie

Education:

Brookwood High School
Valdosta State University / GGC

Coaching Experience:

2004-2008: Norcross (144-12)
2008-2015: GACS (193-29)
2015-2021: Buford (120-28)
2022-2023: Seckinger (18-11)
2023 – Present: Buford

Additional Information:

Region Championships – 15
State Championships – 9
Former Players Drafted in the NBA – 5

Jeff Ozment

Personal:

Originally from Rome, Georgia
Played basketball at Berry College

Education:

Two undergraduate degrees from Berry College
M.Ed. in physical education from University of North Georgia
Ed.S. in leadership from Lincoln Memorial University

Coaching Experience:

35+ years of basketball coaching experience
17 years as part of the Buford Lady Wolves coaching staff

Achievements:

Winningest girls basketball coach in Georgia history
900th win on January 6th, 2023
10 state championship game appearances in the last 15 years
8 state championships with Buford Lady Wolves

Melissa Green

Personal:

Originally from Rome, GA

Education:

Master of Arts in Christian Studies – Luther Rice University
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Shorter University

Coaching Experience:

17 years at Buford High School
23 years of teaching experience

Achievements:

Winningest girls basketball coach in Georgia history
900th win on January 6th, 2023
10 state championship game appearances in the last 15 years
8 state championships with Buford Lady Wolves

Coby Durden

Personal:

6th Grade Math teacher at Buford Middle School
Son of Coach Gene Durden

Coaching Experience:

10 years with the Lady Wolves basketball program
Played at University of North Georgia (2013-2014)

Cassie Bro

Personal:

Played college basketball at Idaho State University and University of Alaska-Anchorage

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in physical education – Idaho State University, 2006

Coaching Experience:

8 years with Buford Lady Wolves coaching staff
Previous experience at Centennial High School, Barry University, and Air Force Academy

Elizabeth "Biz" Walters

Personal:

Former Buford grad, played 5 years of college softball

Education:

Master’s in Teaching English – Young Harris College
Bachelor’s in Creative Media – Young Harris College

Coaching Experience:

3 years with Buford Lady Wolves coaching staff

Special Role:

Assistant Coach/Video Coordinator

Michael "Tito" Jackson

Personal:

Grew up in Buford, played high school basketball, football, and tennis
Played basketball at Reinhardt (2005-2007)

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Coaching Experience:

1st year with Lady Wolves basketball program as a community coach

Buford Coaches

Meet the Coaches: Guiding the Wolves to Victory

Gene Durden

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Achievements:

Wes Parker

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Emerson McClung

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Paul Villarroel

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Chezley Watson

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Brent Martin

Family:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Additional Information:

Jeff Ozment

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Achievements:

Melissa Green

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Achievements:

Coby Durden

Personal:

Coaching Experience:

Cassie Bro

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Elizabeth "Biz" Walters

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

Special Role:

Michael "Tito" Jackson

Personal:

Education:

Coaching Experience:

BOY'S

GIRL'S

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