High Schools

His résumé lists one head coaching job, but Mark Baker has a lifetime of basketball experience. That helped Baker land the Trotwood-Madison High School boys job Friday, June 20.

"It's always been a thought that I've had," Baker said of a high school position. "I was waiting on what I thought was the best opportunity for me to develop a program."

Baker, 38, replaces Larry Ham, who was 42-7 in two years at Trotwood. Ham replaced Ike Thornton, a good friend of Baker's. Thornton had an offer to return but ultimately turned it down.

"When he didn't want to do it, I felt it was a great opportunity for somebody," Baker said. "I thought I would be a good fit for Trotwood."

In 2005, Baker was 15-2 as coach of the Dayton Jets, a team that was runner-up in its only season in the International Basketball League.

Baker won't teach at Trotwood and will continue his many other endeavors.

"I think we're getting a person who will be similar if not better than Coach Thornton," Trotwood Athletic Director Jim Ladd said. "I'm very impressed with him. I think he's an outstanding young man who has great ideas."

After a standout career at Dunbar High School and Ohio State, Baker played professionally in Europe and the United States. He worked as an assistant under Jim Brown at Northmont for three seasons before he took the Jets job.

Baker counts Brown, Mike Haley, Randy Ayers and Butch Carter among his coaching influences.

"It may be my first year as a high school coach," Baker said, "but I equate my experience and what I learned under great coaches in double-digit years."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.