Girls travel ball openings

[Sparky52]

Looking for possible teams that have openings or tryouts for high school girls(specifically 9th grade). Would appreciate contacts of any team whether they are full or not. They might know of other opportunities since they are in the loop...thanks

[Tigerfan]

And you wonder why Valley Girls Basketball is so far behind the rest if the state...there is not interest beyond the high school season.

[shadysidesue]

Tigerfan...hope this isn't true because, if it is, that means the athletes (boys/girls) play just to have something to do in the winter season. I can remember only a few years back seeing LT's in summer basketball programs and working really hard in the off-season. If what you say is true, the program can't progress far. Have to love basketball or not play! Tina Yates (former LT coach) used to have a very active summer girls basketball program that had girls from all over the area participating. Used to take lawn chairs up to the courts and watch some good basketball. What happened to this idea in the past years?

[Tigerfan]

While the High Schools will play summer ball, the travel ball which is already starting does not get a big representation from area athletes. Not saying there aren't any, just not as many as throughout the state. Also, what sux is Ohio's rule stating only 2 girls from the same school can be on a travel teams roster starting in 7th grade.

[wildcat4life]

It seems that most Spring/Summer travel teams have tryouts in late fall. How does Ohio deem teammates? Is people who were on your team this school year? I was wondering how they determine who are your teammates during the transition from Middle School to High School?

[Tigerfan]

Two current 7th or 8th graders can play with 2 current high school players

[barefacts]

Never been a fan of "pay to play" Travel Ball.

[shadysidesue]

Well...Geno (you've heard of him...UCONN) isn't a big fan of 'travel ball' because all it does is have kids play games instead of working on fundamentals of basketball which need to be reinforced over and over until there is muscle memory. Attention to detail, discipline as much as talent, decorum as much as defense, playing as a team on the court and playing by the rules off the court. Teach the players to carry themselves well...it's not just about basketball...it's about life lessons. At UCONN, no exposed tattoos while in uniform, no fingernail polish during basketball season. Rules develop life skills. Well...how many coaches of area teams would agree with his assessment? Of course, his policies must work as UCONN hasn't lost a game in how long? Are area coaches allowed to work with their players during summer months on fundamentals, etc.?

[Tigerfan]

Very limited contact during summer

[barefacts]

Except in Berlin.

[shadysidesue]

hahaha...funny barefacts. Shadyside needs to get a summer program in place...now. Tina Yates did it and very successfully. Those who love the game will love playing in a summer program. I remember when Laken Gibson used to run those courts in the summer...hmmm... there's an idea! Filled in as coach for last half of the LT's schedule last year. Wonder if she would have the time to work with the girls and would she want to get involved again? Great player and great leader was #24.

[wildcat4life]

There seems to be a void in the Valley when it comes to HS AAU. The good players seem to believe it's necessary to go out of town and play. Would love to see AAU pick up in this area at the HS level.

[Basketballjunkie]

An AAU basketball player must be

1) good enough
2) available whole not doing another sport
3) able to afford it
4) be willing to put in that time

The valley doesn't produce elite kids. We simply produce more college level kids in other sports.

I do wish there were options for the kids that wanted to explore it, but there is probably an argument to be made that if the kids wanted it, it would likely exist.

[Tigerfan]

Been to many tournaments....seen all levels of talent, many girls have the time and are willing to put in an effort, and every team I ever was involved with, we raised money....never had to pay more than $200, which would get us around 10 tournaments.