BallinVA Podcast

Morrisette Media
  • 4.8 (20)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ballin VA is a podcast that focuses on former, present athletes, coaches, and media professionals that excelled in the state of Virginia not only on the field but off the field and in the community as well. We will be featuring lots of incredible names from the area and are excited to share the stories from these exceptional individuals. BallinVA is presented by Morrisette Media out of Midlothian, VA. If you would like to reach out and suggest some names or just drop us a line, hit us up on: https://www.facebook.com/ballinva https://tiktok.com/@ballinva ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

  1. MAR 18

    The Man Behind River City Rain & Team Iverson in Richmond | Mario "Big Rio" Haskett Sr.

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 19m

  2. MAR 6

    Route 5 Pride: Inside Varina’s Championship Football Culture

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    37 min

  3. FEB 25

    Four-Time Golden Gloves Champ Who Refused to Quit - Keith "Showtime" Shelton

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 1

    They Said He Wasn’t Enough — Now He’s a Pro - Keshon Tabb

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    2h 14m

  5. 12/17/2025

    He Turned Down College Coaching Jobs… to Serve the 804 - Duron Carter

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 3m

  6. 12/03/2025

    Inside a VA Girls Hoops Powerhouse | Menchville HS, Boo Williams EYBL & the Transfer Portal Era

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 4m

  7. 10/01/2025

    IV Hydration Secrets: Boost Recovery, Energy & Skin - Michele Evans Reavis

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 26m

  8. 09/12/2025

    VOICE OF THE 804: From Injury to PA Legend

    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 - ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

    1h 22m
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Ballin VA is a podcast that focuses on former, present athletes, coaches, and media professionals that excelled in the state of Virginia not only on the field but off the field and in the community as well. We will be featuring lots of incredible names from the area and are excited to share the stories from these exceptional individuals. BallinVA is presented by Morrisette Media out of Midlothian, VA. If you would like to reach out and suggest some names or just drop us a line, hit us up on: https://www.facebook.com/ballinva https://tiktok.com/@ballinva ballinvapodcast@gmail.com

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