BCB Team

Meet the BCB Staff

Coach Sam Allen

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Biography

Coach Sam Allen is the owner, founder, and coach at Blue Collar Basketball. Since BCB’s inception in 2011, Sam has worked with players from a variety of levels including middle school, high school, college, and professional. Prior to founding Blue Collar Basketball, Sam spent eight years coaching at the collegiate level. In addition to running BCB, he also works with highly acclaimed and world-renowned PGC (Point Guard College), where he directs “Essentials” and “Shooting College” courses. Sam’s unique ability to teach the game and infectious energy have afforded him the opportunity to speak at Better Basketball, PGC/Glazier, high school, and college coaching clinics. He graduated from Reinhardt University with a B.A in History and holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State University.

Playing Experience

• All-State PG for school record 28-3 Brookwood High School his senior year under legendary 7-time Georgia HS State Champion Eddie Martin
• Starting PG for school record 125 consecutive games at Reinhardt University
• Compiled over 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 400 assists during 4-year college career
• All-Conference and All-Academic honors at Reinhardt
• Led school to first ever National Tournament Appearance

Coaching Experience

• 8 years at the collegiate level
• Coached, developed, and mentored 5 players at college level who went on to play professionally
• Worked under 2 National Championship Head Coaches
• Coached, developed, and recruited leading scorer in the country at 29ppg, 12 All-Conference players and 6 All-Freshman athletes
• Worked with over 40 teams including middle school, high school and college from various states as well as 2 international teams
• Coached and trained multiple Region Players of the year and all-state selections

Coach Rudy Bentley

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Biography

Rudy was born and raised in Madison, WI. He attended high school at Madison East High School where he was a four-year varsity letter winner and two-year All-Conference player. Rudy’s first two years in college included brief stints at Carroll University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before he finally found his home at Beloit College. Beloit is where he completed his undergraduate degree. As a collegiate basketball player, he was fortunate enough to enjoy four years as a starting point guard and became a record-holder in a few statistical categories at Beloit College. He graduated with honors and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics in May of 2016.

Upon Rudy’s undergraduate completion in May of 2016, he began his college coaching career as the Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach at Lakeland University. While at Lakeland he eventually took on a dual role as an Admissions Advisor and Assistant Basketball Coach. After one year at Lakeland, he went to Wisconsin Lutheran College to become the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach. During his time as a college basketball coach, he learned a great deal about humility, service, and the value of relationships. His duties as a recruiter, coach, mentor, and more, have awakened his awareness of the importance of laying a foundation of trust, transparency, and faith in everything he does.

For the past six summers, Rudy has also worked for a company called Point Guard College. During this time he has taught the game of basketball to thousands of athletes across the country.

Rudy’s experiences as a player, coach, and skill development trainer have provided him with a very holistic view of the game of basketball. His goal is to be a teacher of life through the game and to help athletes understand what it truly means to train according to their aspirations.

“I am excited to be a part of the Blue Collar Basketball Family and help with their mission of growing young people through the beautiful game of basketball.”

Sam Allen on the addition of Rudy to the BCB Team: “Rudy is a top-notch person and teacher of the game. We are so excited to add him to our BCB team. He will have a great impact on the players and coaches that he works with. He understands the discipline and commitment level required for players to become the best version of themselves. Rudy was a very successful college player and college coach. Those experiences have and will serve him well in developing players.”

Coach Timia Reynolds

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Biography

BCB Full Time Coach and Administrator

Timia Reynolds is a 2017 graduate of Emmanuel College. In her career as a Lady Lion, Reynolds played in over 100 games, starting in over half of those games. She also scored over 1000 points, averaged a season high of 13.8 points per game in her senior year, and served as team captain in her junior and senior years. Some accolades that Reynolds collected in her playing career at Emmanuel include being named to the NCCAA All Tournament Team in 2015, being named to the NCCAA All South Region Team as well as Third Team All American in 2016, and being named an NCCAA First Team All American as well as being the recipient of the NCCAA Kathy Freeze Award (awarded to the top female student athlete in the NCCAA) in 2017. Reynolds also helped to lead her team to the NCCAA National Championship game in her senior season, just falling short of being champions, but making history for the women’s basketball program as the 2nd place team in the NCCAA Nationals.


Upon graduating from Emmanuel, Reynolds accepted the position as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach. She spent 3.5 seasons as the assistant before being promoted to associate head coach. In 2017-2018, the team was the NCCAA South Region Champions and came in third at the NCCAA National Championship. In 2018-2019, the team was the NCAA Conference Carolinas regular season champions as well as the Conference Tournament champions, a first in school history.
Timia joined BCB full time as a coach/trainer and administrator in August of 2021.
“I am excited to grow and build up the athletes in our BCB program. My passion for coaching stems from my passion for teaching. I teach from the heart and truly care about the development of each player as an individual, on the court and off.”

Coach Chris Faulkner

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Biography

BCB 15U & 16U Coach

  • UNG Head Men’s Basketball Coach 2003-2019
  • Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year 2017
  • Peach Belt Conference West Division Champions 2017
  • Currently ranked 6thamong all time Peach Belt Conference coaches in total conference wins
  • Piedmont College Head Men’s Basketball Coach 1997-2003
  • Great South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 2003
  • UNG Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach 1993-1997
  • Georgia Athletic Conference Champions 1996
  • Member of University of North Georgia Men’s Basketball Team 1989-1993
  • Married to Daphney Faulkner / Two sons Gus (18) & Cal (14)

Basketball has been a part of my life since I was a small child and my mother was coaching high school basketball.  I am extremely grateful for all the many opportunities the sport has given me.  I feel that coaching and working with others is a way to help give back to the game that has given me so much, and to hopefully teach young people the values and lessons I have learned from the game of basketball.  I am excited about working with the coaches and players involved with BCB and look forward to developing life-long relationships with each of them

Coach Micah Ryals

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Biography

BCB Boys Coach

Coach Ryals started his coaching journey in 2015 with Point Guard College. He has been a part of the development and growth of thousands of athletes around the country. Ryals is a graduate of Toccoa Falls College and was a student assistant coach for two seasons during his time at TFC. In 2019, Coach Ryals moved back to Taccoa Falls and was the lead assistant for the women’s basketball team. In 2020, Coach Ryals was promoted to head coach and is entering his third season. Ryals has been a part of the development of 14 all conference players and 15 Academic All-Americans.

“I love building relationships with the next generation. Sam and many other coaches have made a tremendous impact on me, so I view this opportunity as an incredible chance to impact student athletes on and off the court.
BCB is extremely different in many ways. One of the things I love the most is how the development of athletes is more important than winning now. Getting to work BCB in my offseason is extremely life giving and something that I will continue to look forward to.”

Coach Josh Franklin

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Biography

BCB Boys Coach

Josh is from Bowman, Georgia where he attended Franklin County High school. He was a 3 year varsity letterman as well as team captain his senior year. After graduating in 2018, Josh went on to play at Emmanuel College for one year before deciding to pursue his dream of being a basketball coach.

Josh had the opportunity to coach back at his alma mater for a year as the head freshman team coach as well as an assistant for both the JV and Varsity teams. In the Fall of 2020, Josh got on staff as a student assistant coach at Emmanuel College where he is a current student pursuing his degree in history education. Josh will graduate in the Fall of 2022 with two and a half years of experience under the Emmanuel coaches.

“I love coaching with BCB because we not only grow kids as basketball players, but grow them as people as well. Every time I’m around our staff, I leave learning something new and being better than I was before. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to be involved with this program, and I look forward to pouring into our kids and instilling in them values to help them on and off the court!”

Coach Ethan Morris

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Biography

BCB Boys Coach

Apalachee High School class of 2017
3 year letter in football and basketball
All region senior year in basketball, All state in football
Played football at Reinhardt University 2017-2018 (played in the NAIA national championship – runner up)
Varsity Assistant Coach at Jefferson HS (4 years)
9th grade Coach at Jefferson HS (4 years)
Basket Instructor for Point Guard College (PGC, 3 years)
Student Assistant Coach at Emmanuel College for the men’s team beginning Fall 2022
“I love being a part of the BCB family because of the opportunity we have to change the lives of athletes through the game of basketball. As well as the high standard that we hold for ourselves along with our athletes”

Coach Carson Hollingsworth

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Biography

BCB Boys Coach

Coaching Experience (5 Years):
Current Head JV Coach and Varsity Assistant at Cambridge Highschool, Milton Ga.
2021-2022 Cambridge Feeder Program 8th grade Coach, won the GYBA
Suwanee League Championship.
4 Years as the Southeast Bulloch Middle School Boys Head Basketball
Coach, Statesboro, Georgia.
3 Years as Southeast Bulloch High School Boys Varsity Assistant during
the same time frame.

Playing Experience: Junior Varsity basketball at Milton High School in
2010 and then moved to Cambridge the year the school opened in 2012
and played Varsity basketball junior and senior year. Played on a
men’s competitive team at Georgia Southern University for 3 years.

Coach Hollingsworth graduated from Cambridge High School in 2014 and
attended Georgia Southern University and got his bachelor’s degree in
Health and Physical Education along with a Master’s degree in Health
and Physical Education. He taught Elementary PE for two years at
Stilson Elementary in Statesboro, Georgia along with coaching at
Southeast Bulloch Middle School and Southeast Bulloch High School,
before coming back home to be the head JV boys coach at Cambridge
Highschool.

“BCB is a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and allow me
to grow in the coaching profession. I want to be a positive role model
for my players and build young men of character and integrity along
with developing a love for the game. BCB is a great environment to do
so.”

Coach Elise Coberly

Biography

BCB Girls Coach

Playing Career:
Tusculm University freshman season
Emmanuel College sophomore-senior season
3 time all American, 3 time NCCAA tournament team, 3 time NCCAA region player of the year, Emmanuel College female athlete of the year 2016, 3X team dean’s list
2 time leading scorer, 2 time leading rebounder
Team Captain senior season
Helped to lead her team to the NCCAA National Championship game in her senior season
1000+ point scorer
Coaching Career:
5 years as a PGC basket instructor
3 years varsity girls assistant coach at Madison County High School
2 years Madison County High School JV head coach
1 year West Jackson Middle School girls head coach
“I love being apart of BCB because it teaches the girls how to really play basketball, all the little, important things that tend to get overlooked in today’s game. BCB introduces girls to what hard work truly looks like, true success comes with mastering the boring.”

Coach Christi Thomas

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Biography

• Coached and trained multiple Region Players of the year and all-state
• Coached and trained multiple Region Players of the year and all-state selections

Thomas joined the BCB team in the Fall of 2017. Christi helps with high school & middle school team training, working with both boys and girls teams. She also leads BCB individual and small group sessions.

Thomas was a former Ms. GA Basketball her senior year at Buford HS. She continued her collegiate career at the University of Georgia where she finished in the top 10 for career points, rebounds, and blocks. She was then drafted #12 by the L.A. Sparks in the WNBA. She recently retired after 7 years in the WNBA and 9 professional seasons across several different countries. Upon her return to the U.S. and back in her home state of Georgia, she was named 2015-16 Community Coach of the Year while at Northview HS. She was an assistant coach at Flowery Branch HS in the 2016-17 season, helping lead them to the Final Four.

Sam Allen on the addition of Christi:

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Christi be a part of our team. Christi and I had met a couple of times over the last few years since she retired from playing. However, when we worked together during the summer at a PGC course, I knew we had to find a way to get her involved with Blue Collar. Christi’s got a great presence on the court as a teacher. She loves the game and loves helping kids. She connects well and commands respect. I’m fired up about her continuing to impact all the players we get to work with.”

Coach Davy Fisher

Biography

Davy was born and raised in Rome, Ga. He attended Model High School where he was a four-year varsity player (starting in 115 games straight), collecting 1,775 points and was selected Region Player of the Year, First Team All-State, and Northwest Georgia’s MVP. He then attended Mississippi College (Gulf South Conference) on a full scholarship where he lettered four years under Coach Don Lofton and was named the Men’s Basketball Most Outstanding Senior of 2019. He graduated cum laude and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology – Exercise Science in May of 2018 and was elected by his peers and professors into Mississippi College’s Hall of Fame.

Upon the completion of Davy’s college eligibility in February of 2019, he continued his playing career with the Jackson Eagles of the CBA (Central Basketball Association). He is also pursuing graduate school to obtain his Master of Intercollegiate Athletic Administration.

Davy has been a long-time member of the Blue Collar Basketball family as he trained with Sam in high school, and has since been involved with the BCB AAU/travel teams. Davy also has 5 years of experience teaching and coaching through Point Guard College (PGC), enhancing his ability to communicate, teach, and think the game.

Davy brings his experience as a player, coach, and trainer to ignite and inspire future generations to work hard and pursue their passions. Davy views basketball as a platform to teach life, develop better people and future leaders.

“I am excited to join the BCB team! Blue Collar Basketball gave me the opportunity to train with like-minded athletes and get out of my comfort zone. I learned how to train and compete at a high level, and I can’t wait to give back that experience to future generations.”

Coach Trent McErlane

Biography

-Current Assistant Coach at Point University

Trent McErlane is a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Greenville Area High School in 2016. He was a three-year letterman and team captain during his junior and senior campaign for the Trojans basketball team. McErlane was the lone senior in 2016 for the Trojans basketball team and led them to the first district championship in 20 years and second in school history. Trent then went on to play four seasons at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania.

 

While at Mount Aloysius, McErlane helped drastically improve the men’s basketball program, more than quadrupling total wins from his freshmen to senior year. McErlane was named team captain his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. McErlane was a part of tying the school record in wins and advancing to the first conference semi-finals appearance in school history his junior season. McErlane was recognized for his academic performance, being placed on the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Academic All-Conference team in 2018, 2019, and 2020. McErlane also was recognized as part of the AMCC Sportsmanship team in 2020.

Academically, McErlane graduated with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a specialization in Sports Management and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Human Resource Management.

 

Basketball has been life changing for me. First, basketball gifted me the opportunity to pursue my continued education, and has continued to do so. After my playing career, the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level and study for my Master’s degree came about. Basketball has taken me many places within the United States and abroad, I will forever be indebted to the game of basketball. My mission is to use my love for the game to empower others to become the best versions of themselves through the game.

Coach Wes Caver

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Biography

Wes was born in Atlanta, Georgia and spent his childhood and adolescence in the suburbs of Stone Mountain and Suwanee, Georgia. When he was in the 9th grade he moved to Montreal, Canada where he led his Club team to a city championship and received All-City honors.

Wes returned to Georgia in 2008 and attended Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA. In his senior year, he led the Wolves to a State Championship and received several All-Region and All-County (Gwinnett) awards. Wes was also All-State honorable mention.

Despite having multiple D2 & D3 opportunities upon graduation, Wes decided to discontinue his playing career, but stayed connected to the game by working as a basketball camp counselor at Suwanee Sports Academy. At SSA, he worked under former NBA players Emmanuel Blackwell and Mark Price. It was during this time that Wes developed a passion for using the game of basketball as a tool to help kids develop not only on the court, but off the court as well.

“I love coaching with BCB because the principles we teach will not only make our athletes successful on the court, but more importantly will bring them success in life” Coach Wes says. “I am a living testament that even when your sports dreams don’t work out, adopting the principles we teach will bring you success in whatever you choose to pursue. I’m forever grateful to Coach Sam for giving me the freedom to help instill this in our athletes.”

Coach Mason Ambler

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Biography

Coach Mason Ambler grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia where he attended Parkview High School. Upon graduation from Parkview, Mason played one season at Hiwassee Junior College before finishing his final three years of eligibility at Coker College (NCAA Division. II).  At Coker, Mason was a three-time All-Conference team member, including his senior season in which he was an NABC All-Region selection.  He was recently named as a member of the Coker College All-Time Team and still ranks Top Ten in career scoring and rebounding.  After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Mason played one professional season in the Irish Super League (Moycullen, Ireland).

Mason began his coaching career in 2011 when he joined Sharman White at the prestigious Miller Grove High School (Lithonia, Georgia) and served as an Assistant Coach with an emphasis on post player development.  During his five years with Miller Grove, they won four GHSA State Championships, played national schedules and competed in the 2016 Dick’s National Championship. 

Mason continues to utilize his degree in business where he serves as a national sales rep covering the Southeastern United States and as of the Fall of 2016, Coach Ambler joined the team at Blue Collar to share his passion and love for the game.  Mason serves in a variety of roles with BCB. He provides on court teaching with BCB’s team training and travel ball teams. Mason will also help provide leadership to Blue Collar Basketball Showcase Events in the 2017-18 HS season. The HS showcases annually feature some of the top HS teams in the peach state and Southeast.

Coach Milt Travis

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Biography

In his 34 years of coaching, Coach Travis has taken 3 different schools to the state tournament multiple times. He has rebuilt 4 different HS programs based on the principles of fundamentals and intensity. He has taken teams to multiple state final fours, but some of his proudest accomplishments are the relationships he has built and that former players of his are successful adults as spouses and parents working in different professions such as lawyers, teachers, bankers, doctors, ministers, armed forces and more.

“Coach Travis’s experience and wisdom has been so valuable to what we are doing. His experience in developing players at the HS level for almost 35 years as well as running highly successful camps has helped us improve our approach. When I first got into coaching, I spent time learning from him the importance of developing strong relationships with your players.  He lives that out in a very real way.  Coach Travis has been able to help us improve our skill development progressions while also reinforcing the thread that runs through all of our teachings – a blue collar, toughness approach.”

Coach Skylar Collins

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Biography

BCB Girls Coaching Staff

Skylar played collegiately at Texas A&M University from 2008 – 2012. After graduating in 2012, I played professionally in Brazil. After returning from Brazil, I started my coaching career at Mississippi State University on the women’s basketball staff. I spent 5 years at MSU as the Director of Scouting/Video Coordinator. In 2018, I accepted a position with Hofstra University as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations. Following a short stint with Hofstra Women’s basketball, I met Sam Allen at a PGC camp and had the opportunity to join his BCB team in Atlanta.
“This game has taught me so much and provided so many opportunities for me as a player and a person. I have been able to live out some of my wildest dreams, travel the world, and connect with people who have impacted who I am as a person. Being part of BCB allows me the opportunity to give back what has been given to me. I am excited to be a part of this program and to share all that I have learned on my journey with the young people who trust us and to continue to grow and learn from the coaches that I have the privilege to share space with.”

TESTIMONIALS

“I would highly endorse Blue Collar Basketball and Sam Allen for individual and team training for basketball. I have known Sam as a high school and college player and as a coach. He has become quite a student of the game as well as having a tremendous work ethic. He not only knows how to play the game, but has become very adept in teaching the game.”

Coach Eddie Martin, Greater Atlanta Christian, 5 time GA high school state champion

“Coach Sam Allen is the hardest working person I know. As a teammate of his in college no one worked harder to be the best he could be, and this has carried over to coaching. The name Blue Collar Basketball is a true representation of who Coach Allen truly is.”

Coach Jeremy Adams, Sequoyah High School, 2011 Region 7AAAA Champions