Coach Euan
Program Director
Phone:
4703011066
Email:
jrcatsbasketball.com
Coach Tyrone
Assistant Director/Coach/Website Manager
Coach Josh
Coach/Trainer
Coach Dustin
Coach/Trainer
Coach Woods
Administration
Coach Kiki
Coach/Trainer
Monique Taylor
Head of Administration & Registration
Coach Eric
Coach/Trainer
Marcus Taylor
Administration
Coach Rodney
Coach/Trainer
About Us
As many of you may know, Cobb County has discontinued middle school sports. In response, a group of dedicated parents and coaches has come together to create the Cobb County Junior Basketball Conference (CCJBC). This league was established to provide our children with the opportunity to learn and compete at a high level, despite the absence of school-sponsored sports.
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We want to emphasize that neither East Cobb Middle School nor Cobb County funds our teams. Our program, Jr. Cat Basketball, serves as a feeder program designed to help students develop their basketball skills and prepare for the demands of high school basketball. Every member of our team, from the director to the coaches, is a volunteer.
The funds we receive are used solely for gym time, equipment, and other necessary expenses.Many schools offer similar programs, and if your child is committed and can balance participation with their academic responsibilities, they’ll have the chance to play competitively within our community and across the state.
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In the Jr. Cat Basketball program, your child will participate in home and away games, tournaments, and may even have the opportunity to compete for a CCJBC championship. Our primary focus is on player development, ensuring that our athletes are ready for the challenges of high school basketball. Early skill development is vital, as high school teams are highly competitive, and beginners may struggle to secure a spot without prior experience.
The season typically lasts for six months, with costs ranging from $550 to $1200. This program is an investment in your child’s athletic growth and their future success in basketball.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to develop fundamental basketball skills, foster teamwork, and instill sportsmanship. By participating in Jr. Cats Basketball, your child will be part of a structured, supportive environment where they can grow as players and individuals.
WHO ARE WE?
We Are:
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Great Teammates: Enthusiastic, unselfish, and supportive of each other.
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Competitive: Play with heart, hustle, and relentless effort.
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Accountable: Take responsibility in every aspect—at home, in the community, in the classroom, on the court, and in the weight room.
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Honorable: Act with kindness, honesty, and empathy, without seeking recognition. Maintain good moral character.
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Thankful: Learn and grow from every experience.
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TOUGHNESS
“Toughness isn’t physical. It has nothing to do with size, strength, or athleticism. It’s an attitude, a mindset. True toughness is a skill that can be developed and improved.” — Jay Bilas,
We build toughness by:
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Incorporating specific drills, conditioning, and weight room work.
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Recognizing and praising tough plays when they happen.
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Using video sessions to highlight examples of toughness.
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Creating competitive practice environments where playing time is earned. If we push each other, no one can beat us but ourselves.
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Drawing inspiration from current events and real-world examples.
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COACHING GOALS
Our mission is to develop well-rounded student-athletes committed to excellence in the classroom, on the court, and in the community.
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Academic Success: Stay informed about each player’s grades, counselors, and teachers. Support academic achievement as a priority.
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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.
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Community Engagement: Engage with the community, always demonstrating respect and integrity.
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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.
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Character Building: Promote sportsmanship, ethics, and respect for facilities, staff, and equipment at all times.
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Year-Round Commitment: Encourage a year-round dedication to the game of basketball.
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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 us.
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PROGRAM GOALS
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.
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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.
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Support Academics: Emphasize the importance of academics and good study habits.
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Build a Unified Feeder Program: Establish a consistent progression of drills, terminology, and systems from elementary school through high school.
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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.
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Compete at High Levels: Develop the skills and commitment necessary to compete at the highest levels in the state.
Player Development
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.
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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:
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Always behave appropriately.
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Commit fully to academics.
2. Players must execute the basics of man-to-man defense
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• 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
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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​
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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.
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Jr. Cats Basketball: Conduct and Discipline Rules
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.