<h3>Strengthening the Future of Grassroots Basketball</h3>
Prep Network has officially acquired Coast 2 Coast Preps, uniting two of the most influential brands in youth basketball media and events. The acquisition creates a comprehensive platform designed to support athletes across the full developmental journey — from elementary and middle school competition through high school and into the college recruiting process.
More than a business milestone, the move represents a strategic alignment of infrastructure and vision. It combines Coast 2 Coast's deep expertise in early-stage evaluation with Prep Network's national scale, media production strength, and event operations.
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<h2>A Strategic Alignment of Specialization and Scale</h2>
For years, Coast 2 Coast Preps has established itself as a national authority in the elementary and middle school basketball space. The brand became synonymous with elite showcases, credible national rankings, authentic digital storytelling, and meaningful early exposure for young prospects.
Meanwhile, Prep Network has built one of the most expansive infrastructures in youth and high school sports. Headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, the company publishes more than 4,000 articles per month, hosts over 450 premier events annually, operates eight owned media properties, and delivers national rankings, live events, and subscription-based content across the country. Its flagship high school platform, Prep Hoops, operates at the forefront of exposure, recruiting connectivity, and production quality.
Together, the two organizations now provide athletes with a seamless pathway:
<strong>Elementary → Middle School → High School → College Recruitment</strong>
This unified structure strengthens continuity in evaluation and visibility — eliminating gaps that have historically existed within the grassroots landscape.
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<h2>Expanding the Vision Behind Coast 2 Coast</h2>
At the center of Coast 2 Coast Preps' growth has been its founder and leader, <strong>Ben Perkins</strong>, whose hands-on approach, national travel, and deep relationships helped shape the brand into one of the most trusted names in middle school basketball. Through consistent in-person evaluation and a commitment to authentic storytelling, Perkins built a platform that resonated with players, families, and programs nationwide.
Now, within the Prep Network ecosystem, Perkins and Coast 2 Coast gain access to expanded national infrastructure, advanced digital production capabilities, larger editorial resources, and a broader recruiting visibility network. Rather than altering the brand's foundation, the partnership amplifies it.
With additional operational support and strategic backing, Perkins is positioned to focus even more on what has defined Coast 2 Coast from the beginning — identifying talent early, telling player stories with credibility, and creating meaningful exposure opportunities — while leveraging Prep Network's scale to expand that impact in every region of the country.
The result is a stronger Coast 2 Coast Preps operating with national reach and long-term growth potential.
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<h2>What This Means for Players and Families</h2>
The partnership delivers immediate and practical benefits to the grassroots community.
<strong>Increased Exposure</strong>
Athletes will now be featured within a larger national ecosystem that blends premium storytelling with enhanced recruiting visibility.
<strong>Expanded Event Opportunities</strong>
The combined platform plans to introduce dozens of additional showcases and tournaments in the coming year, increasing access to high-level competition across regions.
<strong>A Stronger Development Pipeline</strong>
Players who begin their journey in elementary or middle school under Coast 2 Coast now have a direct bridge into Prep Hoops' high school coverage, preserving continuity in evaluation and exposure.
<strong>Elevated Media Production</strong>
With expanded editorial resources and digital infrastructure, families can expect higher production quality, greater rankings accuracy, and more consistent storytelling.
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<h2>Leadership Vision Aligned</h2>
Nick Carroll, Chief Growth Officer at Prep Network, described the acquisition as a defining step in building a comprehensive grassroots basketball experience.
<blockquote>“The acquisition of Coast 2 Coast marks an important step in building a truly end-to-end grassroots basketball experience that spans the full arc of a player's development. Together, we are building a more connected ecosystem, where unparalleled athlete content, showcase events, and access to national exposure work in tandem to create new and better pathways for young athletes.”</blockquote>
Ben Perkins echoed that enthusiasm, emphasizing the opportunity to elevate what Coast 2 Coast has already built.
<blockquote>“The Prep Hoops ecosystem operates at the top of the market, and we are thrilled to have Coast 2 Coast be part of the Prep Network family. We are excited for the expanded network and high-quality digital capabilities this partnership will offer our current users, as well as players and teams in every corner of the country.”</blockquote>
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<h2>Positioned for the Future</h2>
As Prep Network's inaugural acquisition, this move signals long-term investment in the grassroots basketball space. Backed by national leadership and strengthened operational capacity, the combined platform is positioned for sustained growth.
For Coast 2 Coast Preps, the acquisition means greater scale, greater resources, and greater opportunity — without losing the identity and credibility that made it successful. For the broader basketball community, it establishes a more connected pathway designed to support athletes at every stage of development.
As the grassroots landscape continues to evolve, this partnership ensures Coast 2 Coast Preps is not only adapting to change — but helping define the future of youth basketball.
