CRUSH BASKETBALL
Mario Bates
Director/Founder
Mario participated in a variety of sports including his first and ultimate love for basketball from grade school through high school. His philosophy toward coaching aligns with basketball being utilized as an opportunity to teach life lessons of team work, winning attitude, accountability and respect for others. He was inspired by his 24 years as a peace officer with the Department of Corrections and through his own experience as a peace officer inter acting with adults and mostly youth, Mario fully understands the challenges that our youth face every single day. These challenges could lead a youth down the wrong path, towards gangs, criminal activity, and ultimately incarceration. In an attempt to make a difference. He was inspired by mentoring youth to take his love and passion to teach and cultivate youth to improve in the game of basketball. As the President, Founder of Crush Basketball, he encourages players to be good students through learning how to play within the parameters and rules of the game of basketball. Mario Bates believes that “a positive attitude and willingness to give your best effort in life, in basketball and in the classroom, will create many great chances to be an Impact in our society".
In the Past 17 years:
President, Founder and Executive Director of Basketball Operations
Crush Basketball Travel Coach-Ages 5-17 (2005-Present)
Antelope Valley College Assistant Coach - (2016- 2017)
High School Coach - Vasquez High School (2022 - Present)
High School Coach - Lancaster High School (2017 - 2022)
High School Coach – Antelope Valley Christian (2014 - 2016)
High School Coach - Quartz Hill High School (2010 - 2014)
Charles Rowley
Charles Rowley has been coaching for 12 years with youth basketball starting at various age groups. His knowledge of basketball began while playing at the varsity level for (2) years at Dorsey High School, in Los Angeles. From there, he attended Santa Monica College for (2) years where he played point guard. The experienced gained from playing basketball at a competitive level has allowed him to pass on his knowledge that he’s learned over the years to our youth, and allow for the growth as a basketball player and fine young men in our communities. Along with his busy schedule, he is a certified Radiological Technologist at the local Hospital and Correctional Institution. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Hospital College, in Radiological Sciences. Married, with two young sons and enjoys putting his family and others before himself…
Coach Riley played Division I basketball and football at North Dakota State University. At the collegiate level he is a Summit League conference champion and NCAA Tournament participant. He focuses on skill development and agility training with over 10 years of experience. Coach Riley is also the founder of Noble Youth Project a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching leadership and financial literacy to youth across America. Coach Riley is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.