2011 Big Shots 

16s

Washington, D.C.

Champions

2011 DC Metro Showcase

16s

Washington, D.C.

Final Four

2011 Hoop Group

Silver Division

16s

Providence, RI

Finalist

2010 Big Shots 

15s

Philadelphia, PA

Champions

2009 Big Shots I

17s

Myrtle Beach Champions

Final 4 Appearance

17s

Big Shots II

Myrtle Beach, SC

2009 Reebok

17s

Championship Top 16 Finish

Las Vegas, NV

Thomas Gadson | tgadson@@vaelitehoops.com  | 703.725.4878

Virginia Elite Director of Virginia Elite AAU Basketball Program 

Director of Basketball Operations Virginia Elite in 2008, the organization’s mission then and still remains the same, to choose top basketball talent, boys and girls 8-17 years of age in the Northern Virginia Metropolitan area. While basketball is an intricate part, VA Elite prides itself on standing by these young men year round, providing academic assistance to enhance their growth in the classroom as well as on the court. 

A native of Savannah, Georgia, Thomas Gadson has been involved with basketball for more than 30 years, from his youth days playing basketball and football in the YMCA and Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) youth leagues in Savannah through high school and college. After high school he attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina which competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). After his freshmen year he transferred and graduated from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. Mr. Gadson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Computer Information Systems as well as several technical and professional management certifications.   

2011 Big Shots 

16U

Washington, D.C.

Champions

2011 DC Metro Showcase

16U

Washington, D.C.

Final Four

2011 Hoop Group

Silver Division

16U

Providence, RI

Finalist

2010 Big Shots 

15U

Philadelphia, PA

Champions

Jamel Bearyman | jbearyman@vaelitehoops.com | 571.238.7374

Virginia Elite Boys 17U

Assistant Director of Boys Basketball Program 

Coach Bearyman is a native of Flint Michigan, which is known for developing tough-minded athletes. He began playing basketball and golf at the age of 6. He started playing AAU basketball at the age of 12 and continued through high school. During these years, he developed the talent and toughness to play along with other kids much bigger and stronger him. 

Coach Bearyman received a full golf scholarship to Hampton University and multiple 2 year scholarships for basketball and track and field. Though golf was his focus in school, he continued to play intramural basketball and workout with the basketball team while there. Coach holds a bachelor degree in Computer Science from Hampton University and continues to play golf and basketball frequently. 

Coach Bearyman has been coaching AAU basketball with Virginia Elite for two years. Every team he has coached have won one or more championships each season. Coach Bearyman believes hard work, discipline, respect and heart are the essentials to any team and he demands these from each player. He has a passion for his players to succeed.

2011 Big Shots 

16U

Washington, D.C.

Champions

2011 Hoop Group

Silver Division

16U

Providence, RI

Finalist

2010 Big Shots 

15U

Philadelphia, PA

Champions

Rod Smith | rsmith@vaelitehoops.com | 571.420.7581

Virginia Elite Boys Assistant Coach 17U 

A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Coach Smith is a 21 year military veteran. He grew up playing basketball and football in North Carolina and continued to play in college and military. As a member of the all Army basketball team he captured the European championship. He also played  pro football in Frankfurt, Germany. As an assistant coach for the US Army women's basketball team, he captured a military championship in US Army Pacific Command. 

He specialized as a combat paramedic/instructor while on active duty and continued work as a medical professional after his military career. Coach Smith joined the VA Elite family last year as an assistant coach to the 15u team.

2011 DC Metro Showcase

15U

Washington, D.C.

Final Four

Brandon Jones | bjones@vaelitehoops.com | 614.440.5526

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 16U

Head Jr. Varsity and Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Freedom H.S. (South Riding, VA)

Brandon was born and raised in the Washington D.C./Maryland/Virginia area and played high school basketball in Chesterfield, VA. Brandon passed up numerous opportunities to play at the division 1 collegiate level in order to pursue a passion for ministry as a graduate of World Harvest Bible College. Over the last few years, he has been coaching at the high school and AAU level in the State of Ohio and now brings that experience and human quality to Virginia Elite. Coach Jones enters into his inaugural year as Head Junior Varsity Head Coach at Freedom High School in South Riding, Virginia.

Brett Jones | bjordan@vaelitehoops.com | 703.269.8326

Virginia Elite Assistant Boys Coach 16U

Coach Jordan is originally from Ohio but now resides in the DMV. He graduated from Mount Union College, a Division III football powerhouse where he was a part of two NCAA National Championship teams.   He graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice and now works in a law enforcement capacity in Washington D.C.

Brett began playing sports at the age of 5, playing basketball and football in high school before going on to play college football.  He has experience both as a player and coach at the AAU high school level.   Brett has a strong passion for athletics and helping develop the areas youth both on and off the court.    He is a firm believer in Teamwork, Hard work and disciple as being key ingredients to success in athletics as well as life. 

Matt Hale | mhale@vaelitehoops.com | 703.973.3522

Virginia Elite Boys Coach

Former College Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

Coach Matt Hale joins Virginia Elite and will work with the boys 16's and 17's basketball teams.  Coach Hale a native of Chantilly, after graduating from Westfield High School, he attend and played four years at Mary Washington University where he scored over 1,000 points. After graduation Coach Hale joined the staff as assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Mary Washington University for Coach Rod Wood. 

Issac McNeil | imcneil@vaelitehoops.com | 919.358.1275

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 15U

Coach Issac Mcneil comes to Virginia Elite by the way of North Carolina with a long history of coaching on the AAU circuit and high level basketball camp experience.

Isaac D. Mcneil was born and raised in the Wilkesboro, North Carolina and played high school basketball at Wilkes Central High School. Isaac decided to attend North Carolina Central University, in 2005 where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and became the first graduate of any historically black college or university student to graduate from an accredited athletic training program. 

Over the last few years, he returned to school and received his Master’s degree in Athletic Administration also has been coaching at the high school and AAU level in the State of North Carolina and now brings that experience and devotion to the game of basketball to Virginia Elite. Coach McNeil now assumes the Head Junior Varsity Head Coach at Fall Church High School in Fall Church, Virginia.

2011 Warrenton Wizards Showcase

12U

Warrenton, VA

Champions

Paul Snell| psnell@vaelitehoops.com | 703.296.0148

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 13U

Assistant Director of Youth Boys Basketball Program 

Coach Snell has been playing basketball since he was 6 years old.  His knowledge of the game of basketball, hard work and leadership has made him a feared coach at whatever level he coaches. 

Having the understanding and a strong level of competition for this game has enabled his players to progress quickly. Coach Lansdowne and Snell have put the Reston travel program back on track and both come to the VA. Elite family as a tandem who really enjoy coaching our kids at the highest level. 

Several family members such as Dell Curry, Sidney Snell, Donald Snell, Seth Curry and Stephon Curry are all cousins of coach Snell. He has dedicated his experience and knowledge to kids for the past 6 years. Coach Snell is one who demands excellence on the court and in school.  “Basketball is a privilege for the hard work that is put in at school, education is first”.

2011 U-Turn
Richmond, VA

11U Boys

Champions

Herb Lansdowne| hlansdowne@vaelitehoops.com | 571.426.0059

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 12U

Herb Lansdowne, native of Reston VA, played high school basketball at South Lakes High School under Wendell Byrd. After high school coach Lansdowne provided our country with five years of active duty service in the United States Army where he spent two tours in Iraq. He's been coaching youth league basketball for 15 years, focusing on fundamentals and discipline. 

He brings a fair and competitive edge to the program and a consistent work ethic. His goal is to prepare all of his players with the tools they need to play high school basketball and college if they choose.

2011 Fairfax Stars
Fairfax, VA

11U Boys

League Finalist

11-1

2011 U-Turn
Richmond, VA

11U Boys

Finalist

Scott Perry| sperry@vaelitehoops.com | 571.426.0059

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 12U

A North Carolina native from the heart of ACC country, Coach Perry is an avid basketball fan and student of the game having played and followed the game for over 20 years.  Coach Perry received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Elizabeth City State University, and later earned his MBA and MPA from Syracuse University.

Coach Perry enters his second season with the Virginia Elite organization after coaching with other youth organizations and recreation leagues.  His last two teams have qualified and participated in AAU Nationals based on the “team-first” concept.  Coach Perry is a firm believer in fundamental basketball with his young athletes, while pushing each player to strive for achievement on and off the court.

2011 Big Shots 

10U

Northern Virginia

Champions

Howard Byrd | hbyrd@vaelitehoops.com | 571.334.1594

Virginia Elite Boys Coach 11U

Coach Howard Byrd has a deep background in basketball, playing since he was a young child.  A graduate of Harrisonburg High School where Howard played point guard then he went on to play college ball for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).  

After graduating from VMI he began a 10 year career in the United States Air Force, where he was selected to play at the Air Force level.  In addition to playing, Howard has also served as head coach in varied recreational boys' youth leagues and has also served as an assistant coach at the AAU level.  Howard thoroughly enjoys the challenge and rewards of developing the skills of committed basketball players. 

Coach Byrd is a firm believer in the "whole person concept" stressing excellence both on and off the court, socially and academically.  His love of the game is unquestionable as is apparent in his dedication to developing young players to be their best both on and off the court.

Otto Jett | ojett@vaelitehoops.com | 571.435.3969

Virginia Elite Girls 16U 

Assistant Director of Girls Basketball Program

Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Chantilly H.S. (Chantilly, VA)

Coach Jett is responsible for developing girls program for Virginia Elite. Mr. Jett has been involved with girls youth basketball for over 20 years. Most recently he coached the nationally ranked Fairfax Stars girl’s program before transitioning to Virginia Elite.

Coach Jett has 18 years coaching experience following his father’s example, (Daniel Jett)   He is entering his first year of coaching with VA Elite Girls AAU Organization. His focus has been in the seniors division for the last five seasons. Coach Jett is well respect throughout the college recruiting circuit as getting player prepare and recruit under NCAA bylaws. In the last five years Coach Jett have players 57 in Division I,II,III, Junior College Division I, schools. 

Coaching Experience: Varsity Girls assistant at Chantilly HS for two years; Boys AAU for different associations throughout the Washington DC, Northern Virginia metropolitan area; Fairfax county travel girls for Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) for 14 years, Western Fairfax 16U & 10U AAU for 2 years, Fairfax Stars for three year U17 & U16, coached at multiple college camps and clinics throughout the United States and a trainer at Next step basketball training school.   

2009 Big Shots I

17s

Myrtle Beach Champions

Final 4 Appearance

17s Boys

Big Shots II

Myrtle Beach, SC

2009 Reebok

17s Boys

  Championship Top 16 Finish

Las Vegas, NV

Ron Wiley | rwiley@vaelitehoops.com | 202.412.3719

Virginia Elite Girls 15U and Virginia Elite Basketball Program Advisor

Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Robinson H.S. (Fairfax, VA)

A graduate of the University of Southern Colorado received Bachelor of Science degrees in pre-law and political science. Coach Wiley has a long history of developing top level male and female basketball players from Northern Virginia that have advanced their careers to the collegiate level.

As a high school coach with over 25 years of experience from youth basketball to high school Coach Wiley has also been part of the 5-Star basketball camp program for many years where his teams have captured the camp title, the tournament title and the Orange and White All-Star game championships.  As a well season coach and teacher of the game Coach Wiley annually coaches at the Morgan Wooten (Bishop O'Connell High School) basketball camps where he is a well sought after teacher of fundamentals and teamwork.

While coaching the Virginia Elite Boys 17s in our inaugural season, coach Wiley guided the team to their 1^st tournament championship capturing the Big Shots I CERTIFIED championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.   Followed by leading the team to the Final Four finish at the Big Shots II tournament. 

Additionally, he led the 17's to an impressive quarter final appearances at the following tournaments; Hoop Group (Hampton, VA), Hoop Group (Pittsburgh, PA) and Reebok Summer Championships (Las Vegas, NV). At the Reebok Summer Championships his team advance as the #1 seed in their pool and finished top 16 overall.

Jasmine Byrd | jbyrd@vaelitehoops.com

Virginia Elite Girls 14U

Coach Byrd is joining the Virginia Elite AAU Girls organization with an impressive basketball resume and knowledge of the game. As an assistant coach at Osbourn Park H.S. she has also prepare youth athletes mentally to aspire them to reach their highest potential. 

Coach Byrd was a Southern Conference All-Freshman selection in 2003-04 and earned All-SoCon First Team honors as a senior in 2006-07. The Dumfries, Va., native led UNCG with 15.3 points per game and a school-record 77 3-pointers in her final season in a Spartan uniform.

Accomplishments: 2008-09 USA Elite touring with Temekia Moses. Played in Hungary and Austria

2007-08 Traveled with the college team after graduation and played in Italy, She also played on professionally with DT3 exhibition team.

Reginald Barnes | rbarnes@vaelitehoops.com | 571.278.7996

Virginia Elite Girls 13U

Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Herndon H.S. (Herndon, VA)

Coach Barnes is joining the Virginia Elite AAU Girls organization with an impressive basketball resume and knowledge to develop and prepare youth athletes mentally to aspire them to reach their highest potential. 

Coach Barnes currently holds the position of Herndon High School Head Coach Varsity Girls Basketball after building a basketball coaching resume in several counties in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area; Herndon H.S. (Herndon, VA) Assistant Coach Varsity Girls Basketball, Herndon Optimist Head Coach for 7^th & 8^th grade Boys Basketball House League, Thomas Stone High School (La Plata, MD) Varsity Boys Summer League Basketball Coach, Montgomery Blair High School (Silver Spring, MD) Varsity Boys Summer League Basketball Coach, Assistant Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity boys’ Basketball Coach, Virginia High School League CPR-First Aid Certified, and Worldgate Sport and Health (Herndon, VA) Basketball Trainer. 

He has attain multiple awards and achievement during his basketball tutelage, but he cherishes his attendance as a coaching-student in several Men’s Basketball Coaching Clinics at Duke University.

TiChina Mitchell

2010 Virginia Elite 16s College of Central Florida

Class of 2011

2011 Tamara Majette committed to the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNC-G)

Class of 2012

Clifford Gorham | cgorham@vaelitehoops.com | 703.655.1390

Virginia Elite Girls Program Coach

Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Osbourn Park  H.S. (Manassas, VA)

Coach  Gorham head coach of the Virginia Elite 16 and Under Elite Girls Basketball team. Three years after taking over the girls program at Osbourn Park High School, Manassas, Virginia Coach Gorham team caught fire in 2010 and made history by earning the program's first Virginia AAA state tournament berth.  

2009 Big Shots I

17s

Myrtle Beach Champions

Final 4 Appearance

17s Boys

Big Shots II

Myrtle Beach, SC

Former Virginia Elite 17U Coach Joey Goodson, a former player and assistant coach at Saint Francis University, has been selected as the new assistant coach for the Missouri S&T men’s basketball program. 

College: Former College Player and Coach at St. Francis University High School: Gonzaga College High School, Washington, DC 

Joey Goodson former assistant coach after playing four years for the St. Francis University Red Flash under head coach Bobby Jones.

During his tenure Coach Goodson responsibilities included assisting with off-campus recruiting, on-court instruction, and scouting. Goodson played for Saint Francis for four seasons prior to joining the staff. He saw action in 105 games, including 62 starts, during his stellar career. Known as a tremendous defensive presence, Goodson was third on the team with a career-high 31 steals in 2004-05 despite missing several games with an injury. He was tabbed the Northeast Conference’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by Lindy’s Basketball Magazine prior to his senior year, and went on to finish his career with 73 steals and 193 assists, while averaging 4.5 points per game and 2.0 rebounds per game. During his senior campaign, Goodson averaged 6.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Under the direction of Jones, he was a member of the only Red Flash men’s basketball team in program history to finish with three straight winning seasons in the Northeast Conference. He helped lead Saint Francis to three straight appearances in the NEC Tournament.