"Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.

-Patrick Lencioni 

"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results."

-Michael Jordan

 

Why James River ?

The Latest

The mission of James River Blaze is to provide an opportunity for girls to learn and develop basketball skills and to compete at a highly competitive level. We strive to enhance the physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletes, while promoting good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and safety. We are dedicated to helping our players reach their full potential both on and off  the basketball court as well as in personal lives. James River Blaze is a family oriented organization designed to promote excellence in player development. 

Here are a few easy ways that you can help support a child dreams.

  1.  Donations 
    1. Funds to the organization 
    2. Shoes for shoe drives 
    3. Equipment 
  2. Sponsor a child 
    1. Donate directly to a child fees
  3. Sponsor a team
    1. Donate towards a specific team

Fall 2019 AAU Tryouts Are Here!


View where the rest of our alumni went over the past 30 years !

James River History

“Everything happens for a reason. I’m used to it, I prepare for it. Like I say, at the end of the day, those in charge of their own destiny are going to do what’s right for them and their family.”

​-Shaquille O'Neal 

As a non-profit organization James River strives to provide a platform for each and every one of our girls the ability to compete on the next level if they do so chooses to continue both their academic and athletic career. In addition to annual player fees we do ask for donations and sponsors to help us achieve our goal. 100% of the money that we received is used of the organization mission and teams.

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We would love to publicly thank our yearly sponsors and partners! 

Here at James River, We Believe in Hustle, Effort, Attitude, Teamwork

JaBryah Haverkamp commits to Roanoke College

  • ​​Follow us on Twitter (@JRBLAZEAAU) and on Instagram (@_jrblaze)
  • Website Update (9/15/2019)
    • 2019 Middle School and under team pages have been removed 
    • 2019 High School team pages are available for recruitment purposes
    • Team page has been update with grade listing for 2020 AAU season.
    • 2nd-8th grade fall tryouts listed  
  • Good Luck and Best Wishes to James River Class of 2019 as they start their first year of college!

Want to Get Involved?

Jamie Hooper commits to Virginia Wesleyan University

Our Mission Statement 

Brianna Payne commits to Averett University

Current President:

Daphne Presley

2014 -

Logan Carter commits to Virginia Wesleyan University

Our Partners and Donors

James River would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2019 for their many accomplishments this past season and in their academic lives. We are proud to announce that 83% (5 out of 6) of our graduating seniors have signed to colleges to further their education and to continue their athletic career.

The oldest AAU establishment in Virginia
Partnered with Adidas

Codie Heilig her commits to Mary Baldwin

Benefits of James River

Online Payment Option Is Here !

  • Old Tire Service Inc.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Mitchell
  • Ristorante Portofino 
  • 4 Behrs Excavating Inc.
  • Craters and Firefighters of Richmond
  • Virginia Air Crops
  • Mr. Mark Cooke
  • Ms. Elizabeth Price
  • Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Micheli
  • Garrison Insurance Agency, Inc.

Congratulations Class of 2019

Thank You For Believing In Us !

James River Blaze (JRB) formally known as James River Athletic Club, the first premier girls AAU organization in the Richmond area, is entering into its 33rd season of girls. As the first AAU program for girls in the Richmond Metro Area, the club continues to provide a quality basketball program for all youth. JRB began with 3 teams in 1985 and now fields up to 8 teams with players ranging in age from 10-17. JRB offers youth an opportunity to play at Regional, State, and National competitions every year. It also provides playing time in fall and summer leagues, instruction at quality clinics, and individual instruction by a staff of outstanding coaches.

  • Exposure to DI, D2, D3 colleges
  • Master basic fundamental of basketball
  • Learn how to play in a system
  • Travel
  • Gain higher basketball IQ
  • A chance for players to have fun
  •  Learn to compete 
  • Individual growth