Our Story
Built In The Valley
We have been empowering youth athletes in the Central New York area for over 10 years.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
Mohawk Valley Elite exists to unite and elevate Central New York's youth through basketball. We pair elite coaching and real competition with mentorship that lasts beyond the final buzzer — developing players for the next level and people for life — and we keep the game affordable, so no kid is ever priced out of their potential.
Founded in 2016 by three veteran area coaches — John Wallace, Steve Heitz, and Mike Adey — and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024, MVE has grown from a handful of teams into Central New York's leading youth basketball organization. Each spring we field 10+ competitive travel teams for boys in grades 5–12 (ages 11u–17u), competing on the AAU circuit across New York and beyond — with weekly practices, six tournaments per team, and a dedicated coach for every roster.
Throughout this time, we have taught and grown players who have gone on to play Division I, Division II, and Division III basketball — as well as overseas.
Our focus is building elite teams, while also catering to all athletes willing to learn and improve their game. Last year, we fielded 12 competitive teams, capped at 8–10 players per team, with a unique coach for each team.
We believe teams should have their own coach rather than splitting a coach's time between multiple teams. This allows coaches to tailor practice plans and focus on a set group of kids for a full spring season, instead of juggling multiple ages and skill levels. Capping teams at 10 players (most teams last year carried 8) also creates more chances for player development.
Where It Started
The Coaches Who Built It
Mohawk Valley Elite was started in 2016 by three veteran area coaches who wanted Central New York's players to have a serious AAU home of their own. Everything the program is today stands on the foundation they laid.
Coach John Wallace
Central Valley Academy
A longtime leader of Ilion-area basketball, Coach Wallace ran the Ilion–Mohawk program — home of a five-overtime Section III classic in 2010 — through the merger that created Central Valley Academy. He helped launch MVE's first teams in 2016 and set the standard for how the program develops Valley players.
Coach Steve Heitz
Whitesboro · Herkimer College
The longtime head coach of the Whitesboro Warriors and the Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year in 2010, Coach Heitz now serves on the men's basketball staff at Herkimer College — one of the nation's premier junior-college programs — and brought that college-level eye to MVE's earliest rosters.
Coach Mike Adey
New York Mills
The all-time winningest boys basketball coach in Section III history with 566 career victories, Coach Adey led New York Mills to state championships in 2011 and 2014 and is a New York State Basketball Hall of Famer. He turned to building MVE after retiring from the high school sidelines in 2016.
MVE's Goal
A Proven Blueprint
Our program was built with one clear goal: to develop Central New York's top basketball players and prepare them for the next level.
Skill Development
Elite, position-specific training that builds players from the ground up.
Exposure
Relationships with college programs and major scouting services across the country.
Accountability
Players learn to compete, lead, and prepare for opportunities at the next level.
Mentorship
Coaches who are current or former college players invest in each athlete's growth.
Over the years, we've proudly become the area's leading youth basketball organization in producing alumni who go on to play at the high school and collegiate level. No other program in the area has helped more players take that next step.
Current Alumni
Where They Play
A proven path for Central New York's top players. Programs currently represented by MVE alumni:
This does not include our alumni with completed college careers.
Beyond Our Gyms
Varsity Ready
Every winter our alumni take over box scores across Section III. In 2026 alone, MVE players from 18 different schools suited up in the sectional championships, several earned NY All-State honors, and the 1,000-point club added new members. The spring work shows up in the winter lights.
The Network Runs Deep
Players Move Up. Coaches Do Too.
This summer alone: Isaiah committed to SUNY Potsdam men’s basketball, Coach Healy joined the Herkimer College staff, DJ Harter landed at Hobart, and Josh Gregory at Mercyhurst. When you join MVE, you plug into a basketball network that keeps opening doors.
More Than Basketball
Community First
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit we show up off the court too — from charity benefit games for local families to Saturday skills camps that keep kids in the gym year-round.
Leadership & Governance
Board Of Directors
A volunteer board oversees the organization's mission, finances, and standards.
Michael Spina
Director
Michelangelo Spina
Board Member
Levi Spina
Board Member
Matt Lee
Board Member
Matt St Croix
Board Member
Tyrese Harris
Board Member
Financial Transparency
As a 501(c)(3) organization, our IRS Form 990 and New York CHAR500 filings are available on request. Email info@mvebasketball.com and we'll send you a copy.
Be Part Of The Next Chapter
Tryouts, tournaments, and ways to support the program.