BallinVA Podcast

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Manchester boys basketball made history this season, capturing a Central Region championship and making a deep state playoff run. Head Coach Josh Carlson joins BallinVA alongside assistant coaches Rashan “Coach Ray” Alexander and Thomas Allen to reflect on the Lancers’ unforgettable season, senior leadership, community support, and what comes next for one of Central Virginia’s rising basketball programs.

The staff talks about building a winning culture, the comeback win over Landstown, the impact of Manchester’s senior class, the strength of the Dominion District, and why the future remains bright for Lancer basketball.

#ballinva

BallinVA Host:

Larry Merritte

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Shout out to our sponsors!-Rick Stockel - Your Source for Buying and Selling Homes in Richmond and Central Virginiahttps://rickstockel.com- Dr. O Sports Medicine - http://kwadwoowusuakyawmd.comDr. O Instagram - https://instagram.com/dr.o_forthe804#ballinva

We sit down with Big Rio for a powerful conversation about Richmond basketball, AAU basketball in Virginia, River City Rain, Team Iverson, and the mission to help young athletes earn college scholarships and build better lives.Big Rio shares the real story behind the rise of River City Rain, his connection to Team Iverson, and how he helped create life-changing opportunities for players across the 804. We talk about the Richmond basketball scene, the relationships that helped shape an era of local hoops, and the sacrifices made behind the scenes to support kids and families.This episode also dives into stories involving Lil Mario, Pinky, Harvard basketball, Delaware State, Hampton, St. Paul’s, AAU recruiting, and what it really took to get players seen by college coaches. If you care about Virginia high school basketball, Richmond AAU history, or the people who helped change the game for local athletes, this is an episode you do not want to miss.BallinVA Host:Larry MerritteCheck out our Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/ballinvaBallinVA Social Mediahttps://facebook.com/ballinvahttps://tiktok.com/@ballinvahttps://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/For business inquiries - [email protected]

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 Ballin’ in VA, we sit down with Varina High School Principal Cherita Sears and Athletic Director Lamont Folsom to talk about the leadership, culture, and community that powers one of the strongest athletic programs in the 804.

From state championships to signing day celebrations, Varina High School continues to build a legacy of excellence both on and off the field.

We discuss:

• The leadership vision behind Varina athletics

• How Route 5 community pride fuels the program

• Developing scholar-athletes for college and life

• The rise of girls flag football

• Building opportunities across every sport

• Why culture and mentorship matter in high school athletics

Varina isn’t just winning games — they’re building future leaders.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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

Keith “Showtime” Shelton’s journey is one of the toughest stories we’ve ever had on Ballin in VA.

He grew up in Southside Richmond, started boxing young, chased basketball dreams through surgeries, setbacks, scholarships, and nonstop work… then got hit with Type 1 diabetes, chronic hives, more injuries, and burnout.

Instead of quitting, he went back to the boxing gym during COVID—and turned into a monster:

🥊 4x State Golden Gloves Champion

🥊 3x Regional Golden Gloves Champion

🥊 Top 10 in the nation (2024)

On top of that, he built The One Lawn Care LLC into a growing business while training like a professional fighter.

This episode is about discipline, survival mode, faith, mental toughness, and what it really looks like to keep going when your body is fighting you.

📍Follow Keith: https://instagram.com/showtime_Shelton

🌿 Business: The One Lawn Care LLC — https://theonelawncare.com

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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

This episode of BallinVA isn’t about hype — it’s about the long road.

From getting cut, doubted, and overlooked… to grinding through setbacks, politics, injuries, and life challenges — this is the real story of what it takes to make it as a basketball player when nothing is handed to you.

No favors. No shortcuts.

Just faith, work ethic, and refusing to quit.

If you’ve ever been told “no,” sat on the bench, or felt written off — this one’s for you.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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 sit down with Duron Carter, the founder of Assist Student Athletes, a man who’s spent 25+ years helping kids in the 804 get exposure, get recruited, and get placed.

It started with helping his own brother… and turned into open gyms, unsigned showcases, real mentorship, and now a new facility built to be a safe haven for young athletes. Duron also breaks down what made old-school Richmond basketball different — the gyms, the pressure, the atmosphere — and what today’s game needs to get back to that standard.

This one is for anybody who loves the 804, loves hoops, and loves seeing kids win.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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

Welcome back to BallinVA! Today we’re in the 757 at Menchville High School in Newport News, sitting down with Coach Adrian Webb and his staff to talk girls basketball, Boo Williams EYBL, the high school “transfer portal,” and what it really takes to build a championship culture.

Coach Webb breaks down:

• How he went from point guard at Bethel to head girls coach at 25

• Growing up under his dad, Coach Aaron Webb, and taking over the Menchville girls program

• Why his players become “daughters for life” and how his staff mentors them beyond basketball

• Coaching in the Boo Williams Nike EYBL 16U circuit and what separates elite players

• The reality of the high school transfer era — parents, private schools, VHSL rules, and “running from the work”

• Chasing state titles against Princess Anne, Kings Fork, LC Bird, Bishop Ireton, St. James and more

We also get into:

• Why having strong male AND female role models matters in girls basketball

• How strength & conditioning, recovery, and mindset are built into the program

• What’s coming next for Menchville girls basketball this season

If you care about girls hoops, Virginia high school basketball, coaching, and the next generation of athletes, this episode is for you.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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 if better health, faster recovery, and glowing skin were just one drip away? 💧

In this episode of Ballin’ in VA, we sit down with Michele Evans Reavis, board-certified nurse practitioner and owner of CKE Rejuvenation, a boutique men’s spa in Richmond. She breaks down the truth about IV hydration therapy, vitamin drips, aesthetics, and wellness treatments that athletes, entertainers, and everyday people are using to perform better, look better, and live longer.

We also discuss:

• Why hydration is the hidden key to athletic performance & recovery

• The difference between drinking water vs. IV therapy

• Natural beauty & wellness treatments like B12 shots, facials, Botox & microneedling

• The real cost of ignoring your health vs. investing in it

• How men and women can age gracefully & confidently

💡 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone just looking to live and look your best, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about health.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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 a torn Achilles turns into a calling? Today we sit down with Shawn Mears—the Voice of the 804—to unpack how a last-minute fill-in gig became a rocket ride through Highland Springs, Verina, VCU, UVA, Longwood, William & Mary, and even nights on the mic at The Diamond.

We dig into:

• The no do-over pressure of live PA

• Mastering voice, breathing, and name pronunciation (yes, it matters)

• Building fan experience that fills gyms (and concession stands)

• Mentorship, gatekeeping, and breaking barriers as a Black PA in PWIs

• Big goals: LA 2028 Olympics 🎯

If you’re a hoop head, parent, coach, or a kid dreaming of touching a mic—this is your playbook.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]

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

Varina fell short… and the coaches are DONE being polite.

Unfiltered debrief. Film room truths. The 804 is on notice.

This game was a classic. Penalties, momentum swings, and a playoff-level atmosphere in September. Today, the Varina staff sits down with BallinVA to break down what really happened, what the film exposed, and why this loss might be the best thing to happen to their season. We go deep on the three-headed backfield, O-line growth, QB leadership, fan energy (yep, we called you out), and the brutal 4B gauntlet ahead.

#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://www.instagram.com/ballinva_podcast_804/

For business inquiries - [email protected]