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
Manchester Boys Basketball Is Building Something Dangerous
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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
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
18 Mar 2026
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
6 Mar 2026
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
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
20 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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