The Dixon Ballers, a nonprofit youth basketball team founded in 2024, recently completed their fifth season of travel basketball competition. They recently received new uniforms and shoes, supplied by Shaqir O’Neal, the son of Shaquille O’Neal. The team got the opportunity to meet Shaquille O’Neal soon after. Photo courtesy of Dixon Ballers

DIXON, CA (MPG) – What began as a way for Mitch and Liliy Freeman to support their son’s interest in basketball has grown into a year-round youth program focused on mentorship, teamwork and community involvement in Dixon.

The Dixon Ballers, a nonprofit youth basketball team founded in 2024, recently completed their fifth season of travel basketball competition and are preparing to compete in the Jam On It Memorial Day Tournament in Reno, Nev. from May 23-25.

Head coach and co-president Mitch Freeman said basketball has long been part of his life and became a way to connect with his family and local players.

“When I played back in high school, we did travel ball ourselves, so I’ve loved basketball my whole life,” said Mitch Freeman. “Coaching in Dixon Youth lets me bond with my son and his friends and teach them something I love.”

Co-president Liliy Freeman said the organization started after their oldest son, now 13, wanted to continue playing basketball year-round.

“He was in fifth grade wanting to play tackle football and we said absolutely not,” she said. “So he said he wanted to play basketball all year round, so we did a lot of research and figured out how to start a small nonprofit team in town.”

The team includes Alex Freeman, Ethan Baumbach, Riley Bolt, Brayden Barrett, Nico Martinez, Jordan Churchill, Tyler Tafoya, Levi Price, Kyle Latham, JoJo Wiggs and Alexander Hurtado.

Both Freemans said the program’s emphasis extends beyond basketball fundamentals.

“For me, as a coach, everything is bigger than basketball,” said Mitch Freeman. “School work and family come first. I’m teaching them to help each other and be better people on and off the court.”

The team’s motto includes encouraging players to “do a good deed every day.”

The team includes Alex Freeman, Ethan Baumbach, Riley Bolt, Brayden Barrett, Nico Martinez, Jordan Churchill, Tyler Tafoya, Levi Price, Kyle Latham, JoJo Wiggs and Alexander Hurtado. Photo courtesy of Dixon Ballers


Liliy Freeman said players are consistently reminded about personal responsibility and representation.

“We always tell the boys how you carry yourself, that follows you,” she said. “Whether you’re playing for Dixon Ballers or John Knight, you’re still representing you.”

The team gained attention after contact with former NBA player Mike Bibby and the Sacramento Hornets program. Mitch Freeman said Shaqir O’Neal first reached out to the team through social media and later provided new uniforms and shoes for players.

“He just wanted to give them swag, as he called it,” said Mitch Freeman.

Liliy Freeman said she initially contacted several basketball organizations through email before hearing back from Bibby.

“When he emailed back, he was really excited about what we were doing,” she said. “Then he invited us to a practice, and we got to do some drills with them.”

The relationship led to invitations to Hornet Madness events and a halftime appearance during a game.

Mitch Freeman described the experience as a “full circle moment,” recalling his own participation in a Sacramento Kings halftime event as a child.

Earlier this year, the Ballers also participated in a Feb. 26 exhibition scrimmage at the University of California, Davis.

“They did awesome,” said Mitch Freeman. “They got compliments from the players and the team. They were respectful and polite.”

Liliy Freeman said watching the players compete was rewarding.

Head coach and co-president Mitch Freeman said basketball has long been part of his life and became a way to connect with his family and local players. Co-president Liliy Freeman said the organization started after their oldest son, now 13, wanted to continue playing basketball year-round. Photo courtesy of Dixon Ballers

“It was such a joy watching them out there doing what they love,” she said.

The Ballers also became the first basketball team to have a float in the Dixon May Fair Parade, an appearance Mitch Freeman said helped introduce the program to more residents.

“We did the parade just to show everyone who we are,” he said. “To expand this program, you really do need the help of the community and the city of Dixon.”

The team is now preparing for the Jam On It tournament at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, where nearly 700 teams are expected to compete across 52 courts during the three-day event.

“We’re just putting the kids in a place where they can be noticed and get those opportunities,” said Mitch Freeman.

Liliy Freeman credited community supporters Jennifer and Charlie Baumbach for helping transport players and provide snacks during the season.

“Their support never goes unnoticed,” she said.

For more information, visit @dixon_ballers on Instagram.