Giving Compass' Take:

• Chalkbeat reports on a new original documentary series on YouTube called "Best Shot" that chronicles the journeys of young Newark athletes as they learn life lessons (LeBron James is one of the executive producers).

• Series like "Best Shot" carry in the tradition of "Hoop Dreams," in which more people are exposed to the struggle of minority youth trying to secure a better future for themselves through sports. How can we support them?

• Youth activism is also alive and well in Newark — and thinking local.

Shawn McCray has made a lifelong mission of teaching basketball to Newark’s youth, including as a varsity coach of Central High School’s Blue Devils. His devotion to his players and the lessons he and they have absorbed on and off the court have resulted in unexpected stardom for the team, which is now the subject of “Best Shot,” a YouTube Originals documentary series that began airing in July.

The series, which counts LeBron James as one of its executive producers, also features Jay Williams, a former NBA player and current on-air analyst for ESPN, who joined McCray as coach of the Blue Devils last season. Both men have endured remarkable personal journeys and thus have deep affection and empathy for their players, and the hardships they often face. Holding the team to high standards, the two coaches see their job as teaching the skills of the game — and also of life: self-discipline, communication with others when driving toward a goal, the ability to rebound.

“I want to win the state championship,” McCray told his team in the series’ first episode. “But I want people to go to college.”

Read the full article about the YouTube series featuring young Newark athletes by Patrick Wall at Chalkbeat.