Success Stories
Alumni
Matthew Marshall
From 2009-2011, Matthew played for the LV Stars and earned a full basketball scholarship to Utah State University – Eastern. He graduated from Sunrise Mountain High School in 2011. In college, he earned an honorable mention in the SWAC as a freshman and completed 36 credits towards his A.A. in Business Administration. During the 2013-14 college season, he suffered a torn meniscus. Due to the unfortunate passing of his Head Coach to Type 2 Diabetes, Matthew was released from the university by the new head coach because of his injury. In 2013-14, he returned to Las Vegas and continued his education at the Community College of Southern Nevada to complete his degree. Matthew currently works for the City of Las Vegas and serves as the 17U Elite Coach and Mentor for AAC/LV Stars. As a coach, he has won the Summer Blast Tournament three times. He has also won the Bigfoot Hoops Memorial Day Classic.
Nicholas Matthews
Nicholas attended Mojave High School in North Las Vegas. He finished High School with a 4.72 GPA and received the Valedictorian Award. He earned an academic scholarship to the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Nick is the cofounder of the King of Jewels Mentorship program for young men of color in Southern Nevada. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania where he is working towards receiving his master’s in Counseling and Mental Health Services. Nick Played for the LV Stars from 2007-2009. HIs time with the Stars inspired him to create his own mentorship program so he can help young men be the best version of themselves – just like the Stars did for him. He continues to live by the mantra that Academics and Athletics are both avenues that can create amazing opportunities for youth and their families.
Stanley Blake Jr.
In May 2017, Stanley Blake Jr. graduated from Hampton University (Magna Cum Laude) and went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Stanley had this to say about his experience with Academics & Athletics Connection, “Basketball and the AAC/LV Stars helped me to become the man that I am today. I give special credit to Coach James who was like a father away from home for me. He helped me achieve my goals both athletically and academically. Unlike any other program in Las Vegas, Coach James and the LV Stars give their kids the resources necessary to be successful in college and in the real world. Thank you, Coach James, for everything you’ve done for me in life and for helping me mature as young man.” Stanley is currently a life coach and mentor with Academics & Athletics Connection.
Zach Geary
Zach played for the AAC/LV Stars program from 2008-2010. He went on to play college basketball at Umpqua Community College in Rosenburg, OR from 2010-2012. Following a successful career at the community college level, he earned the opportunity to play at the NAIA level for Concordia University in Portland, OR from 2013-2015. During his senior year, Zach won a conference championship and earned a Sweet 16 berth at the 2015 NAIA National Tournament during a school record 25 win season. He currently is working in logistics at Nike WHQ in Beaverton, OR.
Zach Walkerlieb
Zach was a member of the AAC/LV Stars program from 2000-2005. He graduated from Bishop Gorman High School and went on to Santa Clara University. He then returned to Las Vegas to start his career in Real Estate. Zach has been named a “Top 30 Under 30” Realtor in the world by Caldwell Banker and a “Top 30 Under 30” Realtor in the nation by the National Association of Realtors. Zach sits on the Legislative Committee for the NV Association of Realtors and is a member of the state leadership series. He is also a Presidents Circle member for the Vegas Chamber of Commerce and an Emergent Stakeholder for the LVGEA. Zach credits Coach James and the LV Stars with establishing the foundation necessary to succeed in life – most importantly hard work, team work, and care for your community. “The LV Stars show you how important your legacy is with everyone who comes in contact with you throughout life.
Crayton Jones
Crayton was a part of the AAC/LV Stars program form 2002-2004. He graduated from Centennial High School in Northwest Las Vegas and went on to play basketball at Francis Marion University on a basketball scholarship from 2007-2009. He started 47 games during his two seasons. As a Senior, he shot 57.6 percent from the field and ranked second in assists, sixth in steals and 17th in rebounds per games in the Peach Belt Conference. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Crayton is currently the Assitant Women’s Basketball Coach at East Caroline University.