Coaches
Coach Marquee Poole
Coach Poole, a Harlem native, played scholastically at CHSAA powerhouse All Hallows High School in the Bronx, New York and then earned his bachelor’s degree in 2002 from St. Bonaventure University where he was a four-year letter winner for the Bonnies Men’s Basketball team. Marquee is entering his seventh season at Hostos Community College as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Coach Poole has not only proved himself a winner on the court the last six season, but, more importantly, he has mentored countless student athletes. He has helped place more than thirty-five student athletes in four-year schools on athletic scholarships to Division 1 & 2 institutions.
Prior to joining the Castle team, Coach Poole served as the Girl’s Program Director at New Heights NYC, working alongside Castle Program Director Rock Rosa and Castle Girls’ Middle School Coordinator Anwar Gladden.
Coach Baruch Bernard
Coach Bernard, affectionately referred to as “Baruch” in recognition of where he went to college, is a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He played basketball for Baruch College from 1995-1999, under legendary Coach Ray Rankis, as well as on the soccer team from 1995 -1997. During his years at Baruch, he was honored as the soccer captain in his second year and was a team captain in basketball in both his Junior and Senior years, achieving 1st team All-Conference honors in soccer in 1997. Coach Bernard brings a wealth of playing and coaching knowledge to the program. He has played many years on the NY basketball circuit, playing in tournaments such as Nike Pro City, EBC Rucker, East NY Memorial (Gersh) and the Legendary West 4th Street Pro Classic. Coach Bernard is entering his seventh season at Kingsborough Community College as the Assistant Men’s basketball coach.
Schedule
| April 1-May 1, 2024 | Rose Classic | Brooklyn, NY |
| April 13-14, 2024 | Media Day/Scrimmages | New York, NY |
| April 19-21, 2024 | The Clash | Hamilton, OH |
| May 11-12, 2024 | Gym Ratz Live | Albany, NY |
| May 18-19, 2024 | Select Events Showcase | Atlantic City, NJ |
| May 25-26, 2024 | PUMA NXT Circuit | Cincinnati, OH |
| June 3-4, 2024 | Rose Classic Playoffs | Brooklyn, NY |
| June 8-9, 2024 | Gym Rat Challenge | Albany, NJ |
| July 5-7, 2024 | PUMA NXT Finals | Philadelphia, PA |
| July 11-13, 2024 | Run 4 The Roses | Louisville, KY |
| July 19-22, 2024 | Nike TOC | Chicago, IL |