Recreational league (Rec League)

Rec League Mission statement

Our mission is to provide a high-quality recreational basketball experience that fosters skill development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. We are dedicated to creating a competitive yet inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can grow, build confidence, and develop teamwork. By ensuring balanced teams and meaningful game play, we aim to prepare young athletes for tournament competition while making the sport enjoyable for players, families, and the community.

Program Overview

Our season kicks off with open gyms around Thanksgiving, allowing players to get comfortable on the court before official practices and games begin in January. The season runs through the end of February and is designed for boys and girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

This program introduces young athletes to basketball fundamentals, fosters a love for the game, and teaches teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s open to players of all skill levels, with the goal of creating evenly balanced teams in each division.

League Structure

K–2nd Grade (Coed):

• One practice per week on Saturday mornings.
• Players will practice as a group, focusing on fundamental skills.
• No official games, but once players develop basic skills, scrimmages will be incorporated into practice.

3rd–8th Grade:

• Two practices per week, with games held on Saturdays.
• Players will be grouped by gender and divisions: 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, and 7th/8th grades.
• A panel of coaches will evenly distribute players within each division to ensure balanced and competitive teams. Evenly matched teams lead to more exciting games, helping players gain valuable in-game experience and making matchups more enjoyable for families and spectators.
• Each team will have 8–10 players, ensuring more individualized coaching, increased playing time, and focused skill development.

Supporting Our League

Smaller teams mean a greater need for volunteer coaches, referees, and additional gym time, which come with extra costs. We are actively fundraising to keep registration fees as low as possible. As a nonprofit organization, any surplus funds at the end of the season will go directly back into the program—whether through new equipment, lower fees, or other improvements.

We’re looking forward to an exciting season and hope you’ll be part of it!

Scholarships are available. Baranof Ballers offers a limited number of scholarships.  If you are interested in applying for a scholarship or if you have any questions, please contact the board of directors by email at baranofballers@gmail.com

The competitive session (Comp session)

This is not an extension of the rec league.

Baranof Ballers Competitive Session

It’s uncommon for organizations in the U.S. to offer both recreational and competitive basketball under one umbrella, but Baranof Ballers has chosen this approach to streamline administration and reduce costs for players. Because of this dual focus, some parents may find it challenging to transition from the recreational league mindset to the more intense, competitive nature of the comp session. To clarify, this session should be viewed similarly to baseball all-stars or a separate competitive program rather than just an extension of the rec league.

About the Competitive Session

Our competitive session begins immediately after the rec league and is designed for players seeking a higher level of competition while continuing to develop fundamental basketball skills. This session offers advanced training, structured practices, and travel opportunities to help players prepare for the next level of play.

• Tryouts & Selection: Participation in the rec league is required to be eligible but does not guarantee a spot on a comp team. Tryouts will be held at the end of the rec season, and players will be invited based on evaluation by the selection committee.
• Team Formation: Teams will be structured based on anticipated tournament divisions. The Tier 1 team in each division will consist of the most competitive players, selected to compete against top talent from other teams. Tier 2 and Tier 3 teams may be formed if there is enough interest, parent volunteers, and gym space.

Cuts & Volunteer Needs: If there are not enough parent volunteers or resources to support additional teams, some players may unfortunately be cut from the comp session. We try to find options to get these kids additional practice time during the comp session and sometimes find exhibition games for them during the Sitka Hoops N Herring tournament.

PLAYER SELECTION
To earn a spot on a comp team, players typically need to demonstrate certain qualities and skills:

1. Skill Level: Coaches look for fundamental basketball skills appropriate for the player's age group, such as shooting accuracy, ball handling, passing ability, and defensive capabilities.

2. Athleticism: Physical attributes like speed, agility, endurance, and coordination are important, especially at higher levels of competition.

3. Coachability: Coaches value players who are receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and can adapt their game based on coaching instructions.

4. Attitude and Behavior: A positive attitude, good sportsmanship, and respect for teammates, coaches, and opponents are essential. Coaches often look for players who contribute positively to team dynamics.

5. Commitment: Players are expected to attend practices regularly, show dedication to improving their skills, and be available for games and tournaments as scheduled.

6. Potential for Growth: Coaches may also consider a player's potential to develop further with training and experience.

Overall, earning a spot on a comp team requires a combination of talent, dedication, teamwork, and a strong work ethic both on and off the court. It's a pathway for young athletes to develop their skills, compete at a higher level, and grow as individuals within a structured and supportive environment. While this competitive program was historically only for a single top tier team per division, we recently opened the opportunity for lower tier teams if coaching and gym space is available. These teams may not be as competitive in tournaments, but they can continue to develop and compete against challenging opponents throughout the competitive session.

Season Timeline & Travel Plans

The competitive session runs from late February through early April, depending on tournament opportunities. Players selected for travel rosters will be responsible for additional costs and fundraising.

Tentative travel and tournament plans for 3rd–8th grade teams include:

• 1–2 Southeast tournaments, contingent on available events in the region. This typically consists of a tournament in Juneau and a tournament in Sitka. Travel is dependent on coach availability. Occassionally we have volunteer coaches who can work with kids throughout the session, but are not able to take a trip with the team. For these teams, the Hoops N Herring tournament will be their primary games.
  
• Teams will compete in the following age-based divisions:
  • A: 8th grade & under
  • B: 7th grade & under
  • C: 6th grade & under
  • D: 5th grade & under
  • E: 4th grade & under
    

Fundraising & Financial Commitment

Players and parents will be expected to participate in fundraising efforts as deemed necessary by the coach or the Baranof Ballers board.

Scholarships are available. Baranof Ballers offers a limited number of scholarships.  If you are interested in applying for a scholarship or if you have any questions, please contact the board of directors by email at baranofballers@gmail.com

We’re excited for another season of competitive play and look forward to seeing our athletes take their game to the next level!