Today, I’m joined by Patriot Basketball Coach Sherman Rivers for his always honest and insightful take on the Northern Virginia sports scene. With his son now the starting quarterback at Patriot High School—as just a freshman—we discuss what it’s like spending his basketball “off-season” in the role of football parent and youth coach, especially as he’s also leading his youngest son’s Anklebiter team.We explore the tough decisions he faces when it comes to school choices for his talented kids—and how those decisions line up with his views as a coach who has seen many players opt for private school programs. Coach Rivers also shares his perspective on the growing trend of sports academies built around online learning, and whether that model truly benefits young athletes.Then we turn our focus to basketball—breaking down the top contenders heading into the 2025–26 season—and take a closer look at what’s ahead for his Patriot squad.It’s always a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation when Coach Rivers joins the show!