About Us
Forge Hoops is a youth basketball organization based in Tooele County dedicated to developing athletes, leaders, and strong members of the community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide athletic, educational, and character-building opportunities for youth throughout our community. We are committed to creating an environment where every athlete — regardless of skill level or background — has the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow. Through coaching, mentorship, camps, leagues, clinics, and player development programs, we help young athletes build the skills and mindset needed for success in sports, school, and life.
Meet the Leadership
James Peterson
Co-Founder & Director
James co-founded Forge Hoops with a vision to bring high-level basketball development, mentorship, and leadership training to youth throughout Tooele County. His books center on leadership, mentorship, player development, and the powerful impact coaches have on athletes, families, and communities.
- ▸Played professional basketball overseas
- ▸All-Air Force basketball player
- ▸20+ years of coaching experience
- ▸Author of Basketball: More Than a Game
- ▸Author of The Psychology of Coaching
Nick Johnson
Co-Founder
Nick co-founded Forge Hoops driven by a commitment to giving local youth the resources, mentorship, and structured environment they need to thrive both on and off the court.
- ▸Youth development specialist
- ▸Tooele County community leader
Our Core Values
Discipline
Discipline is doing the right thing consistently, even when nobody is watching and even when emotions say otherwise. In basketball and in life, discipline shows up in effort, body language, punctuality, accountability, and the ability to respond to adversity with a "next play" mentality. True discipline is not punishment — it is self-control tied to purpose. Players who learn discipline build trust with teammates, coaches, and eventually with themselves.
Teamwork
Teamwork is the understanding that no individual is bigger than the mission. Great teams are built through sacrifice, communication, encouragement, and consistency. The best players learn that helping a teammate succeed often creates success for everyone. Strong teamwork creates connected locker rooms, resilient cultures, and environments where players compete for each other instead of for attention. Trust is built daily through shared effort and shared responsibility.
Leadership
Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room — it is about setting the standard through actions, habits, and consistency. Great leaders serve first, communicate clearly, and help others rise during difficult moments. Leadership means taking ownership, staying composed under pressure, and doing the right thing when recognition is absent. The strongest leaders build confidence in others, create accountability through example, and leave people better than they found them.