Shout out to our sponsors!

-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginia

https://rickstockel.com

- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.com

Dr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804

What happens when you take over a struggling high school basketball program with no feeder school, no stars, and zero recent wins? You get Coach Adam Desgain—a hometown legend who returned to J.R. Tucker to rewrite the narrative brick by brick.

In this episode of Ballin in VA, Coach Adam drops the raw truth about rebuilding a program from the ground up, the politics of high school ball, dealing with transfers, why culture beats talent, and how he turned a 0–24 disaster into a 19–5 season that shocked the state. Plus, we talk about hoops legacy, the rise of underrated players, and calling out lazy parents (yup, we went there).

This is more than basketball. It’s about grit, grind, and building a legacy when nobody’s watching.

📣 Join the Conversation!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories like this one

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

https://instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small—to medium-sized businesses to help them grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo campaigns.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Shout out to our sponsors!

-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginia

https://rickstockel.com

- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.com

Dr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804

Gary Criswell and Gary Hess join us again to discuss High school football in the 804 area and how it reveals a strong sense of community and dedication. Coaches and players alike are committed to ongoing growth and success, highlighted by the collaborative spirit of the community. The 804 football experience is not just about winning games—it's about building relationships, fostering talent, and inspiring future generations to carry on the tradition of excellence both on and off the field. The passion within this local sporting scene suggests exciting times ahead for the athletes and communities associated with these programs.

In summary, Friday Night Lights represent much more than just a game; they signify community spirit, developmental opportunities, and collective memories that enrich the 804 area’s cultural fabric.

📣 Join the Conversation!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories like this one. Together, let’s celebrate the power of sports to uplift and inspire!

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

https://instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small—to medium-sized businesses to help them grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo campaigns.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Shout out to our sponsors!

-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginia

https://rickstockel.com

- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.com

Dr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804

In this exclusive interview, Coach Rasheed Wright, head coach of Manchester High School’s girls basketball team, takes us on an inspiring journey behind the scenes of their historic first state championship win. From his unique coaching philosophy to the importance of community and personal growth, Coach shares powerful insights that go beyond basketball.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video:

✅ Character Over Wins: Discover how Coach Wright develops not just athletes, but leaders with strong life principles.

✅ The Power of Community: Learn how basketball serves as a unifying force for the entire community.

✅ Championship Highlights: Relive the team’s rise from underdogs to state champions through resilience and teamwork.

✅ A Coach’s Journey: From professional basketball in France to shaping the next generation, Coach's story is one of purpose and inspiration.

✅ Player Spotlights: Hear about standout players like Mia Woolfolk, Madison Smith, and his daughter Rayne, who exemplify growth and skill on and off the court.

💡 Why Watch?

Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, this video is packed with actionable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and community impact. It’s a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of sports to change lives.

📣 Join the Conversation!

👉 What’s your favorite takeaway from Coach Wright’s journey?

👉 How has sports positively impacted your life or community?

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories like this one. Together, let’s celebrate the power of sports to uplift and inspire!

#BasketballLife #CoachingJourney #StateChampions #YouthSports #leadership

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

https://instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small—to medium-sized businesses to help them grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo campaigns.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Shout out to our sponsors!

-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginia

https://rickstockel.com

- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.com

Dr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804

🎥 Get ready for the most explosive episode of BallinVA yet! Join Lee and special guest Coach Darryl Overton for an unfiltered, high-stakes wrap-up of Virginia’s high school football season. From Oscar Smith’s state championship glory to fiery debates about athlete transfers and recruiting scandals, this episode pulls no punches.

🔥 Inside the Episode:

• Championship Spotlight: How Oscar Smith dominated Division 6.

• Coach Overton: The highs, lows, and the rumors that rocked his return to the game.

• Transfer Controversies Unveiled: Freedom High’s transfer exodus – What really happened?

• Investigations Exposed: Did VHSL drop the ball? Hear the shocking findings (or lack thereof).

💡 Why This Matters:

This episode goes beyond the scoreboard, tackling the emotional toll on players and coaches, the ripple effects of unfounded accusations, and the systemic challenges high school athletics faces today.

⚖️ Setting the Record Straight:

Coach Overton addresses the myths, the media’s role in fueling the drama, and how transparency can redefine fairness in sports.

🎯 For Every Fan, Coach, and Player:

If you love the game but hate the politics, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear the facts, feel the passion, and join the movement for equity in high school sports.

👉 Don’t just watch—be part of the conversation. Drop your thoughts in the comments and share with someone who loves Virginia football!

🎬 Hit PLAY and let’s clear the air.

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

https://instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small—to medium-sized businesses to help them grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo campaigns.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Darryl details his work with youth through The Rock Project, including running a community center, organizing events, and mentoring young people. He emphasizes the importance of putting in work and not just seeking instant gratification, particularly in sports. The conversation also covers his relationships with influential coaches like Coach Bedwell and Coach Scott, and his recent recognition from LC Bird High School. Johnston's community work includes back-to-school drives, turkey giveaways, and providing free shoes and coats to those in need.

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

https://instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Shout out to our sponsors!

Shout out to our sponsors!

Shout out to our sponsors!

Shout out to our sponsors!

-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginia

https://rickstockel.com

- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.com

Dr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804

In this episode of BallinVA, we are joined by the legendary Principal Monica Murray from John Marshall High School in Richmond VA. Monica shares her groundbreaking approach to public education, emphasizing her high standards and significant impact on students' lives. She discusses the importance of teaching essential skills beyond academics and expresses concern over students' loss of social skills due to the pandemic. She also shares challenges in re-acclimating students to in-person learning and socializing, as well as her approach to managing the school's social media presence and welcoming volunteers. Principal Murray emphasizes the importance of academics, communication, and support in guiding students through college recruitment and extracurricular programs. The hosts also share heartwarming stories about the impact of educators and female leaders on their lives, highlighting the importance of role models and support systems. Monica expresses gratitude for her community and her role as an educator, inspiring future generations.

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

Check out our Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/ballinva

Shop our Merch!

https://bit.ly/3uNsNgz

BallinVA Social Media

https://facebook.com/ballinva

https://tiktok.com/@ballinva

For business inquiries - [email protected]

Morrisette Media Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/morrisettemedia

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

https://linktr.ee/morrisettemedia

Shout out to our sponsors!