Develop Your Game
with New Kent’s Premier Basketball Academy
From first-time players to future high school stars - we meet every player where they are and take them where they want to go.
Led by New Kent High School’s varsity coach with over 20 years of youth development exerperience, NKBA offers comprehensive basketball training programs designed specifically for our community.
Expert Coaching
15+ Years of Youth Development
Our head coach brings over 15 years of youth basketball training experience plus 6 years as New Kent High School's varsity coach. This unique combination means we understand exactly what skills young players need to succeed at every level.
Proven Development Path
From Beginner to Varsity Ready
Our three-tier training system ensures every player gets the right instruction for their skill level. Watch your child progress from fundamental skills through advanced techniques with a clear pathway to high school basketball success.
CLASSES OUT NOW!
After an incredible summer season, we're officially launching our comprehensive basketball training programs with OPEN ENROLLMENT through October!
Local Community Focus
New Kent Players, By New Kent Coaches
We're not a franchise or chain - we're your neighbors who are deeply invested in the success of New Kent's young athletes. Our coaches know your kids, understand our community, and are committed to long-term player development.
Three Training Programs - One Goal: Your Child's Success
Foundations Classes
Perfect for Beginners
(Ages 6-12)
✓ Learn proper fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment
✓ Small groups of 12-15 kids for personalized attention
✓ Build confidence while making new friends
✓ $12 per session
Skills Development
Ready for the Next Level
(Ages 8-15)
✓ Small groups of 3-4 players for intensive skill work
✓ Position-specific training and advanced techniques
✓ Direct pathway to high school basketball success
✓ $25 per session
Elite Training
For Serious Players
(High School Prep)
✓ 1-on-1 coaching with proven results
✓ College recruitment guidance and mental game development
✓ Direct connection to high school program
✓ $45 per session
Meet your Coach
Coach Garrett Ross
Head Coach & Founder
With over 15 years of youth basketball training and 6 years as New Kent High School's varsity basketball coach, Coach Ross brings a unique perspective to player development. Having worked with hundreds of young athletes in our community, he understands exactly what it takes to help players succeed at every level.
Coach Ross played for one of the top coaches out west growing up and ultimately played on a state championship team. Coach Ross also played college basketball for Southern Virginia University.
"My goal isn't just to teach basketball skills - it's to help every child build confidence, work ethic, and a love for the game that will serve them well beyond the court."
20+ Years Youth Training Experience
6 Years New Kent High School Varsity Coach
14+ Years Working with New Kent Community Youth
Hundreds of Players Developed
Meet Coach Donovan - Assistant Varsity Coach
Player Development Specialist
A New Kent native with deep community roots, Coach Gipson brings 5+ years of coaching experience alongside Coach [Your Name] at the varsity level. His passion for basketball development and commitment to New Kent's youth make him an invaluable part of our training team.
Coaching Experience:
5 Years Assistant Varsity Coach at New Kent High School
Travel Basketball Coach with extensive tournament experience
High School Coaching across multiple levels
Youth Development Specialist with proven track record
The New Kent Connection: A proud New Kent graduate who played for the Trojans, Coach Gipson understands the local basketball culture and has a vision to make New Kent one of the premier basketball development areas in Virginia.
Coaching Philosophy: "Having grown up here and played for this program, I know what New Kent basketball means to our community. My goal is to help every young player reach their potential while building the foundation for sustained excellence."
Coach Donovan specializes in:
Leadership and character development
Competitive preparation and mental toughness
Guard development and ball handling
Post development
Player Trainer Spotlight
Meet Will Ross - Elite Player Trainer
Player Development Specialist
A true product of NKBA training, Will Ross brings elite-level playing experience directly to our academy. As a 2025 New Kent High School graduate, Will demonstrates exactly what dedicated training can achieve.
Elite Performance Record:
Bay Rivers District Player of the Year (2025)
2nd Team All-State selection
State Leader in 3-point shooting (4 made per game at 44%)
4-Year Varsity Starter at New Kent High School
New Kent Record Holder for 3-pointers in a game, season, and career
All-Time Record for highest free throw percentage
College Recruit with multiple offers, attending Spire Academy Fall 2025
Why Will Trains with NKBA: "Everything I achieved started with the fundamentals I learned here. Now I want to help the next generation of New Kent players reach their potential." - Will Ross
Will specializes in:
Shooting mechanics and consistency
Advanced ball handling
Youth player development (Ages 6-12)
Goal setting and mental toughness
Will was trained by CoachRoss throughout his development - living proof of our training system's effectiveness.
Player Trainer Spotlight
Meet Marty Wray - Youth Development Coach & Current Senior
Another outstanding product of NKBA's development system, Marty represents the continuity and excellence of our program. As a current New Kent High School senior and 3-year varsity player, Marty brings recent playing experience and a deep understanding of what young players need to succeed.
Elite Performance Record:
Top 10 in Virginia for made 3-pointers (2024-25)
2nd Leading Scorer on New Kent varsity team (2024-25)
2nd All-Time at New Kent for 3-pointers made in a season
3-Year Varsity Player with continued development
NKBA Program Alumni since elementary school
The NKBA Connection: Marty's journey from NKBA youth player to varsity standout demonstrates the effectiveness of our development system. His experience gives him unique insight into what young players face and how to help them overcome challenges.
Why Marty Trains with NKBA: "This program shaped who I am as a player and person. I want to give back to the next generation of New Kent players and help them believe in what's possible."
Marty specializes in:
Shooting mechanics and consistency training
Youth player mentorship (Ages 6-12)
Goal setting and confidence building
Bridging the gap from youth to high school basketball
Living proof that NKBA develops players from youth programs to varsity excellence.
Jenny Jenkins, parent of a Skills Development Player
“NKBA has been instrumental in Colby’s success both on and off the court. This organization has taught him far more than dribbling and shooting; it has instilled essential skills such as sportsmanship, confidence, and resilience. NKBA’s ability to develop young athletes into well-rounded individuals is a testament to the program’s lasting impact.”
Emily Salmon, parent of a Skills Development Player
“My son has participated in a multitude of basketball camps, training programs and teams. NKBA, by far, has prepared him with the foundational skills, essential drills and playing opportunities which have collectively transformed his abilities and heightened his commitment to the sport.”
Jenny Powell, parent of a Skills Development Player
“Over the last few years, the NKBA program has provided our daughter with great foundational athletic development. The coaches bring knowledge, passion, and patience to each practice and game — all the while bolstering confidence, selflessness, and leadership amongst the girls. Our daughter absolutely loves her Blazers team because the bond extends well beyond the basketball court … they are a family and we are excited to watch them progress together in the coming years!”
Year Round Commitment to Excellence
March - October:
Intensive Training Programs
During our training season, Coach Ross dedicates his full attention to youth development. This is when we offer our comprehensive training programs designed to maximize each player's growth and preparation for the next level.
November - February:
High School Focus
While our training programs pause during high school basketball season, Coach Ross is leading the New Kent High School varsity team. This keeps him current on what skills and preparation today's high school players need most.
Ready to Start Your Child’s Journey?
1. Choose Your Program
Browse our three training levels and find the perfect fit for your child's age, experience, and goals.
2. Schedule a Free Trial
Every new player gets a complimentary trial session to experience our coaching and see if the program is the right fit.
3. Begin Training
Once enrolled, your child joins a supportive community of players all working to improve their game and have fun doing it.
Contact Us
Please reach out to us for any questions that you might have about our program. We would love to see if we can help you out.