Q: What is SBA?

A: SBA is the “feeder” basketball program for kids attending or living within the SHS feeding elementary or middle school boundaries. 

Q: What teams does your program include?

A: Each season we strive to have boys and girls teams grades 4th-8th grade.

Q: Do you allow “playing-up”?

A: We will consider allowing an athlete to play-up in 3rd grade only, where there is not a team their respective grade.  Please email sbahoopsemail@gmail.com for more information.

Q: When are SBA tryouts?

A: SBA tryouts are mid-late September

Q: When is the SBA season?

A: After teams are selected, practices begin in October with competition starting in November-December – this varies by team as decided by the coach. The season officially ends in mid-March after the State championship tournament for teams that qualify.

Q: When and where do practices take place?

A: Practices are M-Th, usually between the hours of 5pm and 9pm based on gym availability.  Practice location, days and times are not consistent from week to week due to scheduling constraints.  Gyms used are generally SHS or CMS, with some younger teams utilizing Riverview or Machias Elementary. We strive to get each team 3 hours of practice per week (2 x 90 minutes).  Some coaches request Friday practices on an as needed basis, but they are infrequent.

Q: What does your league look like?

A: Our league games typically begin the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Historically, boys have had double header games on Saturdays with girls on Sundays.  The league season is 12-16 games which varies by age group.

Q: How far do you travel for games?

A: Our league consists of teams as far South as Shorewood and as far North as Mount Vernon.  Tournament games may be farther, which is decided upon by the coach.

Q: What are these tournaments you’re talking about?

A: SBA pays for teams to participate in 3 state qualifying tournaments each season.  These tournaments begin in October, with most SBA teams signing-up for tournaments in November and later.  Popular weekends for tournaments including Veteran’s Day, MLK, President’s Day and Thanksgiving. 

Q: Are there playtime rules for SBA? 

A: For league games all athletes grades 4-6 will play at least once per half.  For grades 7-8, all athletes will play at least once per game.  There are no playing time rules for tournaments.  

Q: Can my athlete play another sport at the same time?  

A: Parents are free to make this decision in the best interests of their athlete.  Frequent absences from practices and games may impact their playing time and should be discussed with the coach prior to accepting a spot.

Q: How much does SBA cost?

A: Our program fee is $650 with uniforms being an additional fee.  The 2026-2027 season is a new uniform year, and will be roughly $100.  Our uniforms are on a minimum 2-year cycle to reduce costs for our families.

Q: Do you have scholarships available?

We do have scholarships available and encourage any family who qualifies for free or reduced lunch or is experiencing other financial hardship to inquire upon receiving a roster spot offer.