05/16/2026
In the last month and a half, our GATA Boys Basketball team went 7-3 while competing in 2 Nike Jr. EYBL events against some of the best talent in the Southeast.
What stands out even more is this:
- Those 3 Jr. EYBL losses came by a combined 11 points.
These young men have earned the opportunity to compete at a very high level, and they continue proving they belong every single weekend.
What makes this group special isn’t just talent. It’s HOW they play.
They don’t play “ME” basketball.
They compete together.
They share the ball.
They trust each other.
They consistently pass up a good shot for a great shot.
As a coach, it’s an honor hearing officials, tournament directors, former NBA players, high-level AAU coaches, and fans talk about how these boys play the game and how well they’re coached.
This is a special group of young men. Every one of them has a future as a high school varsity contributor, and most weekends we’re doing this with only 6 or 7 players.
What makes it even better?
We’re an unaffiliated travel team made up of kids from small-town communities in Southwest Virginia. No big-city roster. No shoe company backing. Just tough, skilled, unselfish kids that love to compete.
We’re usually the smallest team in the gym.
The other team usually snickers during pregame warmups while they’re dunking and talking about how they’re going to dominate us.
It always entertaining when they’re the first ones calling timeout after realizing these boys can flat out play.
Doubt this GATA team at your own peril.
