Our mission is to develop well-rounded student-athletes committed to excellence in the classroom, on the court, and in the community. Academic Success: Stay informed about each player’s grades, counselors, and teachers. Support academic achievement as a priority. Team Success: Focus on the success of the program as a whole, placing team achievements above individual accolades. Build this success on a foundation of discipline, structure, and competing with class. Community Engagement: Engage with the community, always demonstrating respect and integrity. Skill Development: Provide daily opportunities for players to learn, develop, and refine their basketball skills. Offer constructive feedback, dedicate time to teaching, and create situations that allow players to practice skills and game concepts. Hold in-season and post-season meetings to discuss player progress. Character Building: Promote sportsmanship, ethics, and respect for facilities, staff, and equipment at all times. Year-Round Commitment: Encourage a year-round dedication to the game of basketball. Effective Communication: Foster open and honest relationships with players and teams, offering valuable life lessons and leadership guidance. Bottom Line Coaching Goal: We aim to be the most prepared and hardest-working team every game, making us the toughest opponent to face. Our ultimate goal is for other teams to dread playing against

We strive to build a program that upholds tradition and honor, competing at the highest levels. Our focus is on doing everything the right way, letting results come from hard work and proper execution. We emphasize the process over the outcome. Establish a Positive Culture: Create an environment where each team supports and encourages one another. Foster a family atmosphere where players care for and hold each other accountable. Support Academics: Emphasize the importance of academics and good study habits. Build a Unified Feeder Program: Establish a consistent progression of drills, terminology, and systems from elementary school through high school. Instill Proper Training Habits: Emphasize the importance of preparation throughout the year, including strength and speed training, skill work, video analysis, and participation in clinics and camps. Compete at High Levels: Develop the skills and commitment necessary to compete at the highest levels in the state.

1. The Importance of Sacrifice as a Student-Athlete Being a part of the Jr. Cats Basketball team is a privilege that comes with responsibilities both on and off the court. As a student-athlete, you are expected to balance your academic duties with your athletic commitments. This balance requires sacrifice, discipline, and dedication. 1.1. Sacrifice · Success as a student-athlete demands that you make sacrifices. This might mean giving up leisure activities, managing your time wisely, and prioritizing your commitments to school and basketball. Sacrifice is key to reaching your full potential as both a student and an athlete. 1.2. Time Management · Balancing schoolwork, practices, games, and personal life requires excellent time management. Plan your schedule to ensure that you complete your schoolwork and attend all practices and games. This level of organization is crucial to being successful in both areas. 1.3. Commitment · Being a student-athlete means committing to your education and your team. When you put in the effort required in the classroom and on the court, you set yourself up for success in both areas. Commitment to excellence in both fields is expected from every Jr. Cats player. 2. Player Conduct in the Classroom 2.1. Academic Excellence · Your primary role as a student-athlete is to be a student first. This means maintaining strong grades, staying focused in class, and striving for academic excellence. Poor academic performance can affect your eligibility to play on the team. 2.2. Classroom Behavior · Respectful behavior in the classroom is non-negotiable. This includes listening to your teachers, participating in class, and following all school rules. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior in class will not be tolerated and will have consequences within the basketball program. 2.3. Homework and Assignments · Completing your homework and assignments on time is essential. As a Jr. Cats player, you are expected to take your academic responsibilities seriously. Falling behind in your studies can jeopardize your place on the team. 2.4. Attendance and Punctuality · Just as you are expected to be present and on time for practices and games, you must also attend all classes and be punctual. Missing classes or arriving late without a valid reason shows a lack of commitment and can impact your standing on the team. 3. Player Conduct at Home 3.1. Respect for Family · Your behavior at home reflects your character and discipline. Respecting your parents and family members is just as important as respecting your coaches and teammates. Disrespectful behavior at home can lead to consequences within the basketball program. 3.2. Responsibility and Chores · Being responsible at home is part of being a well-rounded student-athlete. Completing your chores and contributing to your household shows maturity and a sense of responsibility, qualities that are also valuable on the court. 3.3. Communication with Family · Keep an open line of communication with your family. Inform them about your school and basketball commitments, and ask for help if you’re struggling to balance your responsibilities. Your family is your support system, and good communication is key. 3.4. Healthy Lifestyle · Maintaining a healthy lifestyle at home is crucial for your performance as an athlete. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding negative influences. A healthy body and mind are essential for success on the court. 4. Discipline Procedures 4.1. Accountability · If a player fails to meet the expectations set for conduct in the classroom or at home, disciplinary actions will be taken. These may include reduced playing time, suspension from the team, or additional responsibilities at practice. 4.2. Communication with Parents · Parents will be informed if there are any issues regarding a player’s conduct in school or at home. It is important that players, parents, and coaches work together to address and correct any problems. 4.3. Consequences for Misconduct · Consequences for misconduct will vary depending on the severity of the issue. Minor infractions may result in a warning, while more serious or repeated issues could lead to suspension or removal from the team. 5. Summary of Expectations 5.1. Balancing Academics and Athletics · Your role as a student-athlete requires you to balance your schoolwork with your basketball commitments. This balance is vital for your success in both areas. 5.2. Demonstrating Respect · Respect is the foundation of our program. Show respect in the classroom, at home, and on the court. Disrespectful behavior in any setting will be addressed with appropriate consequences. 5.3. Taking Responsibility · Take responsibility for your actions, whether in school, at home, or during basketball activities. Being responsible and accountable is part of being a mature and successful student-athlete. 5.4. Striving for Excellence · Strive for excellence in all areas of your life. Whether it’s in your studies, your family relationships, or your basketball performance, always give your best effort and aim to improve.

As we approach the holiday season, we want to remind everyone of our practice and game schedule: No practices or games will be held on major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, we will still have practices and games leading up to and immediately following these holidays. Halloween is not considered a holiday in our schedule, so players are expected to attend practice as usual. Basketball is classified as a winter sport, and our season extends through the holiday months. It's important for our players and families to remain committed and engaged during this time. Practices and games are scheduled to continue, and we expect full attendance unless there are special circumstances. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in helping our team grow and succeed!

Why We Have a No Refund Policy We understand that when a player leaves the team mid-season, parents may feel that they should be refunded for the remaining time, as they are no longer receiving the expected services. However, it’s important to consider the team’s perspective, which is often less visible. Running a basketball team involves significant and ongoing expenses—tournaments, practice facilities, gear, insurance, and administrative costs. These expenses remain constant whether or not a player leaves. When a player departs, the team still incurs the same costs but faces a drop in revenue. As such, each family’s contribution helps support the entire team, not just one player. To ensure the team functions smoothly and fairly, we enforce a no-refund policy. Additionally, players whose payments are overdue will not be allowed to participate in practices or games until their balance is paid in full. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to supporting the team.

Our focus is on skill development, teamwork, and understanding the game. Practices will be intense, and players will be challenged to improve their abilities. We expect every player to give their best effort, show up on time, and maintain a positive attitude. ​ Team Success: Success in Jr. Cats Basketball is measured not just by wins and losses but by the growth and improvement of our players. We aim to be competitive in every game, preparing players for the next level of play. Commitment: This season requires dedication from players, parents, and coaches. Players are expected to attend all practices and games. Parents are encouraged to support their child and the team by attending games and assisting with team activities. Conduct: Always behave appropriately. Commit fully to academics. 2. Players must execute the basics of man-to-man defense ​​ • Correct stance and footwork (perimeter and post) • Be able to turn your man • Denial positions • Close-out and contest the shot • Proper help side defense • Draw the charge • Help and recover • Correct Defensive post play • Rebounding: hit and go • How to defend a screener/ cutter situation • How to defend the pick and roll • Communicate positioning and help ​ 3. Players must execute fundamentally sound offensive techniques • Passing: two handed chest pass, flick pass, piston pass, bounce pass, baseball, overhead • Pass away from the defense • Pass to the shooting pocket • Ball movement • Read and cut off screens by teammates • Getting open w/o the ball (changing speed and direction, v-cut, backdoor cut, L-cut) • Setting a legal screen • Cutting off a screen • Execute dribble moves (hesitation, stutter, crossover) • Footwork – jump stop & pivoting • Post footwork – sealing, drop step, drop step w/ a pump fake, up and under • Perimeter footwork – jab step move, rip and go, shot fake, swim move • Offensive rebounding: learn how to get postion and get second chance pts​ ​​ 4. Scoring moves • Variety of Post and Perimeter Scoring moves off the pivot. • Fundamentals of shooting • Using teammates to create scoring opportunities • Lay-up – proficient with either hand, reverse lay-ups and finishing moves. • Finishing in traffic FINAL EXPECTATION By the end of the season, all players should regularly demonstrate proficiency in these skills.

When it comes to tournament scheduling, please be patient. You won't get a schedule two weeks out, or even one week out. Most schedules are released the same week before the tournament, so if the coaches say they are playing, you will be notified as soon as the schedule is released. Throughout the year we'll be playing in plenty of tournaments, so keep an eye on the website (this one) as we'll keep you posted. also please don't talk to coaches.

A lot of people ask me what it means to be a student-athlete. Students-athletes need to balance school, sports, and sleep, as well as find time to complete their homework regardless of whether they have practices or games To be a student-athlete requires hard work, sacrifice and unwavering dedication, They are challenged every day to excel in the classroom and on the court. When it's time to go to work, the athletes grind every day to perfect the details of their game that allow them to shine under the fluorescent lights every week. After practice, the athletes focus on their next job, school. To embody the role of a student-athlete, you must juggle the expectations of a student at ECMS, as well as a youth athlete. You can always turn to your teammates and other athletes for support

The importance of supporting the coach and team cannot be overstated. We will not discuss playing time point blank period Coaches can discuss other problems and issues with parents. Parents should not undermine their child's coach by criticizing other players During or After games, don't bother the coach. Talk to him the next day when both are rested, rational, and respectful. Coaches are responsible for team goals and player development

Recreational Rec League is a low-stakes, no-commitment league. Regardless of whether it is parent/volunteer coached, anyone can coach, even a high school freshman. It literally means recreational league. Consider going to the YMCA, Church league, I9, Upward or your local community gym and paying to play. Player development is nonexistent. The team usually practices for 30 minutes to an hour and shares the gym with three other teams. The attendance of players or even teams is usually unpredictable. The competition can range from someone who has never played basketball to a school player who is improving. In addition, it can be accessed by anyone of any age. Recreational leagues are inexpensive ($250-$300) usually play 10-12 games a year, but typically do not provide amenities other than a shirt or jersey. Key Points ​ Cost $250-$300 Your practice time will be shared with 3 other teams for 1 hour each week once you are placed on a team Often teams are balanced skill-wise Most of the time, there is a one-time registration fee, but it’s less than competitive Players benefit from social interaction with same-age players Players are guaranteed to play Games are often held at the same location every week and little travel is required Often, coaches are parent volunteers, or High School Kids Recreational sports, Church, YMCA, I9 UPWARD are normally offered through a recreation center. Recreational sports often have more players which means less commitment from each child 8-12 Games per season Games are for fun and stress free

Middle school basketball and feeder programs. The majority of schools offer this program. If you are good and can play around school hours, you will be able to play in your city and across your state in middle school. Many schools have far superior programs (better coaches, better players, outside sponsorships, etc.) When you are in middle school, you will play in your city and across your state. As part of this program, students will play home and away games, tournament games, and have the opportunity to compete for the state championship for their school. A major focus of middle school basketball is the development of players in order to prepare them for high school basketball. The purpose of this is to allow kids to play at a high competitive or elite level most beginners cannot make the high school teams due to insufficient time for them to develop their skills and stiff competition to make those teams. Usually, the season lasts for six months and costs $500-1200 Key Points Cost $500-$1200 Practices very competitive and much more time-consuming and require a huge commitment. Practice using the whole court 1.5 hours to 3 hrs, 2-3 times a week Pre Season Training Camp Games 20-40 per season Practice Uniforms, Game Uniforms (Can't keep game uniforms) Playing time is earned not given Will play home and away games, players will learn how to defend home court Tryouts are held to categorize players according to skill The teams are usually harder to get into and a challenge to stay on Teams usually travel out of the city or area for at least some of the tournaments Tournaments are mostly held on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday Coaches are more likely to be experienced c Team fees are higher Player/team development is a priority Teaching kids fundamental basketball Many competitive sports are played year-round Most kids that play middle school basketball has a higher chance of making Varsity Basketball

Travel basketball is known as AAU. AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. Basically, it is an open league for all basketball teams that are not school-related. There are AAU teams across the country, and most of these teams consist of the best players (prodigies, children of rich people, children of NBA players) that form super teams and destroy everyone else. Vince Carter, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant all played for the same team in 1994. Additionally, because these are "super teams," the kids don't even focus on fundamentals or team basketball. Due to their superior talent and athleticism, these games tend to turn into exhibitions. Despite its controversy, AAU is more of a business that merely provides a list of games that cost $850-$1200 (4 months) and does not care about player development. As the children will travel further distances constantly, AAU is extremely expensive and requires a fulltime commitment from their parents.