Youth Basketball Program in Long Beach Honors Virginia Legacy
Coastal Crossover Basketball Club (CCBC), founded in 2021 by Arthur G. Blakey, IV, serves as a satellite of the renowned Squires Richmond Boys Basketball & Educational Foundation. Tony Squire, a trailblazer in grassroots basketball, started the Squires basketball program in Virginia in 1987. His influence in the sport is undeniable. The Squires program was the first AAU basketball program in Central Virginia and one of the first to secure a shoe-affiliated sponsorship.
Since then, the program has helped more than 800 young men get scholarships to attend prep schools, colleges, and universities. Some have gained worldwide recognition. Fifteen alumni from the program have made it to the NBA, including Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Eight have reached the NFL, and over 200 athletes have participated in international pro leagues.
Arthur G. Blakey, IV, who played and coached in the Squires program, moved to Long Beach in 2019. Inspired by Squire’s mentorship, Blakey founded CCBC to continue the mission of the original youth basketball program on the West Coast. CCBC was established at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 2325 E 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA in early 2021.
This youth basketball program is community-based and focuses on promoting health, wellness, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and character through basketball. CCBC believes these qualities are essential for personal and community growth.
Coastal Crossover Basketball Club
CCBC offers individual basketball instruction for all skill levels. The youth basketball program includes training for beginners to college-level scholarship athletes, as well as local recreational teams and competitive travel teams.
The program has roughly 50-60 kids, with about five teams running from February to August. During the school basketball season, CCBC scales down but continues to offer training. About 95% of the players come from Wilson, Poly, and Franklin Middle School, with a few from Milikan, Washington, and Rogers.
Inclusive Environment
Importantly, this youth basketball program fosters an inclusive environment. CCBC does not believe in segregated basketball. All who are coachable, committed, and willing to learn are welcome. CCBC provides opportunities for every young athlete to succeed.
The club actively engages in unique and enriching experiences. Recently, CCBC took their middle school team to scrimmage in Compton. The week prior, two players flew to Yale University for an Elite Camp.
One of CCBC’s players had the chance to meet rapper Waka Flocka Flame when the team played in Las Vegas, where he was in attendance. Additionally, there is a memorable picture of the Long Beach CCBC team with the Squires from Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Founder Tony Squire’s commitment to the program remains strong. He attended the Big 3 event in Anaheim to support a Squire alum, Chris Johnson, and secured VIP tickets for the entire team, including one player from Browning. Furthermore, the CCBC 16u team, made up predominantly of Poly JV players, recently won a tournament in Orange County.
Importantly, this youth basketball program fosters an inclusive environment. CCBC does not believe in segregated basketball. All who are coachable, committed, and willing to learn are welcome. CCBC provides opportunities for every young athlete to succeed.
Tony Squire continues to support CCBC as a senior consultant. His legacy lives on through the work of this youth basketball program. CCBC embodies the values that made the Squires program successful.
For more information about the Coastal Crossover Basketball Club, visit SquiresBasketball.com.
Follow Coastal Crossover Basketball Club on Instagram @CoastalCrossoverBC
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