Courtney Moses
Justin Mitchell
Levi Mitchell
Nygel Jones
Jeremy Jones
Oosha Mitchell
Tre Crews
DeMarian Smith
Dwight Richards
Xavielle Brown
Kenny Mullen
Deuce Miller
Caleb Furst
Duece Miller
MVP BASKETBALL
THE TEAM
November 16, 1941 - March 27, 2021
Marcus HASSELL
Marcus Hassell was a standout football player and state champion at Snider High School before taking his talents to Kentucky State University where he played college football and earned his degree.
He has worked in his professional career as a mentor to the Fort Wayne area youth, most of whom have been underprivileged and at-risk. Marcus has also spent numerous hours coaching children in several different sports and leagues in his hometown.
Marcus' ability to relate to, encourage, build character and motivate student athletes to do their best is an extremely important component within the MVP Basketball Program.
Marvin PATTERSON
The Point Guard- His Drive Pushes Everyone To Succeed.
Marvin Patterson was born in Manhattan, NY but raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Northrop High School he attended and received his Bachelors degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. He recently returned to Fort Wayne to continue his career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Marvin is a sports fanatic and basketball is his heartbeat. He’s experienced, passionate, and committed to work just as hard as your child on and off the court. Basketball is a fun way to make lifelong friends, stay physically fit, and provides an opportunity to work on problem solving. The skill sets each player develop from this game are the same skill sets that will allow them to be successful in life. This is the mindset Marvin brings to the MVP Basketball Program.
Zach WELKLIN
The Coach on the Floor - His Leadership is Invaluable
Zach Welklin is beginning his 8th year as an assistant coach for the University of Saint Francis men’s basketball team. He played four years for the Cougars (2011-14) and earned his degree from USF in elementary education and mild intervention. While a member of the USF basketball team, Welklin was a two-time Crossroads League All-Academic selection, a two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete and a member of the USF Dean's List.
Zach is currently a physical education teacher at Maplewood Elementary School and the Head Basketball Coach, where he has created a local dynasty. His teams have been FWCS Elementary City Basketball Champions five times and have placed Runner-Up three times from 2011-2020. The schools last City Championship was in 2020 when they finished the season undefeated at 22-0.
Zach has worked and helped run many high school and collegiate basketball camps and showcases, as well as directing many local AAU tournaments. He has been heavily involved coaching many successful AAU programs. Zach continues to stay very involved and active with local amateur athletes, and this commitment to youth, detail and his academic background make him a perfect fit for the MVP Basketball Program.
Neil BROWN
The Competitor - He Never Quits
Neil Brown has a passion for basketball and the Youth of our community. He is excited to be part of the MVP basketball program and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Fort Wayne.
Brown was a standout three-sport athlete at Huntington North High School, graduating in 1977. He graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1355 points and still ranks fourth today. Brown was selected into the HNHS Hall of Fame in 2008.
Neil went on to play at St Joseph's College in Rensselaer, graduating with a Business Administration and Secondary Education degree in 1982. He played both basketball and baseball at SJC and at graduation was the fourth all-time scorer with 1388 points which still ranks 9th all time. He was inducted into the SJC Hall of Fame in 2003.
In his years since graduation, he has worked in the Corporate Credit Industry and has helped raise two sons. He has coached numerous basketball and baseball youth sports teams over the past twenty years as well as being a licensed IHSAA official.
Neil Brown was inducted to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 25th Silver Anniversary Team in 2003. One of Brown's most treasured honors was being recognized and awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by the Governor of Indiana.
Good People Make Good Things Happen
Ron LATHAM
The Captain - Respected Leader.
Ron Latham was born and raised in Fort Wayne and attended North Side High School where he starred in basketball. Ron then played his collegiate basketball at Ball State Teachers College where he earned his degree.
He was a retired advertising executive that had coached basketball at the high school and collegiate level. He had been a part of several IHSAA State Championship Teams.
Ron was a highly motivated and detail oriented coach and individual that brought a wealth of knowledge to share with program participants and he was a major contributor to all facets of event program planning. This made Ron the perfect person to be a major part of MVP Basketball.