What is the Battle Ground Select Basketball Program?
Battle Ground players committed to developing their skills in order to play competitively, and with the goal of being placed on the Battle Ground High School team. These select teams will play in mostly local tournaments in the Portland/Vancouver area, and will spend quality time working on fundamentals and preparing to excel at a higher level of competition. Each of these teams are composed of 10-12 players that have gone through our tryouts in the Fall. These athletes are evaluated by a fair and unbiased group of coaches (past and present) during the tryout period. The purpose of the select program is to provide instruction beyond what is available at a recreational level. The emphasis remains on teaching the best fundamentals possible.
What is done at a Battle Ground Select Basketball Tryout?
Selection Process - Each year we evaluate players. Some players have extensive playing backgrounds, while others do not. We base our selections on what the athletes do during the tryout period, and what we perceive their potential to be. We select athletes based on the following criteria:
- Dribbling – maintains control, sees the court, goes both ways, handles pressure, speed and dribbles with a purpose
- Shooting Methods – layups, mechanics & arc, 2 Point range, 3 point range, catch & shoot, shoot off dribble and use of weak hand
- Ball Passing – Bounce pass, avoids turnovers, overhead, catching and timing
- Defense – Position, off ball, transition, on ball, closes out & help
- Athletic Ability – Speed, recover to man, quickness, stamina and coordination
- Behavior Aspect – Attitude, accepts criticism, focus, interaction with teammates, team play and work ethic Game Play – Court sense, team play / assists, vision and anticipation
- Overall Strengths – Defense, Dribbling, Passing, Rebounding, Shooting and Court Sense
What is a normal basketball season with Battle Ground Select Basketball?
Our season consists of the following:
- Tryouts and team formation in the Fall.
- Practices officially start after tryouts, and typically end late February/early March. Each team will practice at different times and locations. The 7th and 8th grade teams will practice 3 days a week and the 4th thru 6th grade teams will practice 2 days a week. Practices are 1.5 hours per day.
- The parent meeting will occur shortly after tryouts. It is expected that players devote Fall and Winter to their Battle Ground select teams.
- The 4th-8th grade teams will play in various tournaments in locations including Vancouver, Portland, Gresham, Beaverton and surrounding areas.
- The 6th thru 8th grade select teams typically play 30-40 games during the Select Season. A tentative tournament schedule will be given to players at the beginning of the season, once practices have started. Tournaments are normally 2 days and games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. Tournament game schedules are normally released the Tuesday/Wednesday prior to the tournament.
- At the 4th and 5th grade levels, we have determined there isn’t always as many tournaments available for these ages, or those tournaments end up getting canceled due to not enough teams signing up. Because of this, each of the 4th and 5th grade teams will play according to what best fits their team and completion level. Teams at the 4th and 5th grade level are required to play in a league with the Boys & Girls Club. Most games for the Boys & Girls Club league are played on Friday nights. Tournaments are normally 2 days and games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. Tournament game schedules are normally released the Tuesday/Wednesday prior to the tournament. As they will play in less tournaments, the player fee will differ to reflect the lesser amount played.
If my child makes a team, what is the financial commitment?
- The player fee covers the cost of insurance, team equipment, tournament fees, gym practice space, uniform, etc. Keep in mind there could be additional tournament costs if your team decides to extend their tournament season.
- No Refunds will be given if a player quits or is let go for any reason violating rules outlined in the handbook.
Is there fundraiser that my child will need to participate in should he or she make a team?
There is no formal Battle Ground Select Basketball program fundraiser. Teams are allowed to fundraise on their own. If they choose to do so, they will be in charge of all organization on their own. Teams may fundraise if they have a particular tournament they would like to attend out of town, and want to try and cover some of the costs.