From Chattooga to the Court: Jay Shropshire and Dan Meyer Are Putting Summerville on the Map

For most small towns, talent quietly slips through the cracks — players who could have been something more if only the right doors had opened at the right time. Jay Shropshire knows that story all too well. And now, alongside his brother Dan, he’s making sure it doesn’t repeat itself for the next generation of Summerville’s young ballers.

The two brothers — Jay Shropshire and Dan Meyer — both standout alumni of Chattooga High School, are launching NWGA Rising Stars Elite — a brand new AAU basketball organization based right in their hometown of Summerville. It’s more than a basketball program. It’s a mission.

Brothers Built on the Hardwood

Jay Shropshire and Dan Meyer didn’t just play basketball growing up — they lived it. Both carved out names for themselves at Chattooga High School, where their performances on the court turned heads far beyond Walker County lines.

Dan Meyer, the younger brother, put together a senior season that was nothing short of remarkable. He averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting an efficient 53% from the field and 46% from three-point range — numbers that would stand out on any stage, at any level. He broke multiple records at Chattooga, including a few that his older brother Jay had set. As of today, Dan is still actively pursuing a professional basketball career, and with a skill set like his, that pursuit is far from over.

Jay, meanwhile, took his game beyond Summerville through the power of AAU basketball. He competed against top players from across the state and the nation, traveled to tournaments, and was even flown to Arizona to compete in a national dunk contest — an experience he credits as a turning point in his career. After high school, Jay earned his associate’s degree in arts from South Georgia State College (an NJCAA Division I JUCO program) from 2017–2019, followed by a bachelor’s degree in computer information and systems from Shorter University (NCAA Division II) from 2019–2022.

Two brothers. Two different paths. One shared love for the game — and for the community that raised them.

The Why Behind NWGA Rising Stars Elite

Ask Jay why he’s starting this program, and his answer is as clear as a fast break layup.

“Dan and I decided on doing this because of how much home talent we have that doesn’t get the chance to make it out,” Jay said. “Or get the recognition they deserve, because we’re a small city.”

He points directly to his brother as the example that drives him. “My brother averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists on 53% shooting and 46% from three,” Jay noted. “I don’t want the same thing that happened to my brother to happen to another kid.”

The solution, in Jay’s eyes, is early and intentional development. Get kids competing at a high level young — before they reach middle school or high school — so that by the time they arrive on that varsity court, they’re already ahead of the curve.

Jay also knows firsthand what AAU basketball can do for a kid’s worldview. Competing in the Amateur Athletic Union, one of the most respected youth athletic organizations in the country, took Jay outside of Summerville and showed him something bigger. He played against elite talent from Georgia and beyond. He traveled. He saw that life extended well past the city limits — and that belief, that possibility, changed his trajectory.

“Seeing so many players and better players is a humbling experience that every kid needs,” he said. “Especially starting young. I want kids to have the same opportunities and experiences that I’ve had.”

Introducing NWGA Rising Stars Elite

The organization will operate under the AAU umbrella — a globally recognized program known for developing players and getting them seen by college scouts and recruiters. For many players, AAU has served as the bridge between raw talent and college scholarships. Jay wants to build that bridge right here in Northwest Georgia.

NWGA Rising Stars Elite will grow over time to include multiple age groups and grade levels. But they’re starting smart — focused, professional, and ahead of schedule.

The first team will be 11U (4th–5th grade).

Tryouts are scheduled for Sunday, March 8th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Summerville Recreation Center in Summerville, GA.

This isn’t just for Summerville kids, either. Players from surrounding counties and cities are welcome and encouraged to come out and try for a spot on the roster. The organization’s vision is regional from day one.

Practices will be held primarily in Summerville — either at AC Carter Gym or the Summerville Recreation Center — on Sundays and Mondays. Additionally, Jay plans to offer separate individual training sessions on Tuesdays, open to all youth players outside of the team roster. Games are typically played on weekends, with plans to take the team to Atlanta and other major cities to compete at a high level.

“I plan on taking these kids to ATL and similar big cities,” Jay said. “This is going to be HUGE. And a BIG deal for our community.”

More Than Basketball

What makes NWGA Rising Stars Elite stand out isn’t just the commitment to athletic development — it’s the mentorship that comes with it.

Jay is clear that his role goes beyond coaching drills and running plays. He wants to be a positive role model in every sense of the word. He wants to be someone these kids can relate to, look up to, and believe in. Someone who shows them that a kid from Summerville, Georgia, can achieve anything they set their mind to.

“It’s more to it than just the game of basketball,” he said. “I want to mentor kids and be a positive role model for their future and everyday life. Being that age and wanting to relate to them — and make them believe that they can achieve what they put their minds to.”

The goal is to develop young men, not just young athletes.

Fundraiser: Come Out and Show Your Support

To get the organization off the ground, Jay and the NWGA Rising Stars Elite family are hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, March 15th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fairway in Summerville.

The event will feature a fish fry, hot dog stands, bouncy houses, and plenty of good community energy. It’s an open invitation to everyone — families, fans, and supporters from Summerville and all surrounding counties and cities are encouraged to come out, enjoy the day, and invest in something meaningful.

Sponsors are welcome. If you’re a business or individual looking to make an impact in the community while gaining exposure for your brand, this is the opportunity. NWGA Rising Stars Elite is actively seeking sponsorships that will help the program grow and give more kids a chance to compete, travel, and dream bigger.

Putting Summerville on the Map

Jay Shropshire graduated from college. Dan Meyer is still chasing his professional dreams. And together, they’re coming home to make sure the talent that Summerville produces never goes unnoticed again.

“I plan on putting Summerville more on the map,” Jay said, “and I’m not stopping till that happens — through the game of basketball.”

Northwest Georgia, get ready. The Rising Stars are here.

Tryout Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 8th
• Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Summerville Recreation Center, Summerville, GA
• Team: 11U (4th–5th Grade)
• Open to: Summerville and surrounding counties/cities

Fundraiser Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 15th
• Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Fairway, Summerville, GA
• Features: Fish fry, hot dog stands, bouncy houses
• Sponsors welcome!

For more information about NWGA Rising Stars Elite, follow their updates and reach out through community channels. Surrounding counties and cities are encouraged to participate.