New Era for Spain Park Basketball: DJ Black Takes the Reins

The Spain Park Jaguars have announced their new varsity boys basketball head coach, and it’s a familiar face in Shelby County. Former Thompson coach DJ Black will take over the reins from Chris Laatsch, who departed for Orange Beach last month.

New chapter for the Jaguars

Black brings 18 years of coaching experience to the table, having guided players to success on the court and led several to play at the next level. His most recent stint at Thompson saw the Warriors reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2013, thanks to a Sweet 16 win over James Clemens.

“Coach Black has guided players to success on the court and led several to play at the next level,” the school said in an Instagram post announcing the hire. “Coach Black brings not only a wealth of basketball knowledge but also a desire to create a culture of high expectations within the program.”

The new face of Spain Park basketball

Black’s appointment marks a new era for Spain Park basketball, following Laatsch’s 26-year coaching tenure in Shelby County. Laatsch led the Jags to the Elite Eight in 2020 and three straight Final Fours from 2021-2023.

The Jaguars look to build on their recent success

With Black at the helm, the Jaguars will be looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run. Can he bring the same level of success he achieved at Thompson to Spain Park?

The future is bright for Spain Park basketball