FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Thunderbird Select Hoops (TSH)?
Thunderbird Select Hoops is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization established in 2007 that provides an opportunity for boys in grades 5-8 to develop basketball skills and play basketball in a competitive environment. Thunderbird Select Hoops is a developmental program for Shorewood High School and participates with 18 other programs representing their local high schools in the WESCO Youth Basketball League.
Who is Eligible for Thunderbird Select?
TSH fields teams for boys in grades 5-8. Players must live within the Shorewood HS enrollment boundaries or attend a school that feeds into Shorewood High School. On an exception basis, players may seek a variance into the program per WESCO Youth Basketball League requirements. Requests for variances must be made prior to tryouts.
When are Tryouts?
Tryouts will be held annually in the fall for players in grades 5-8. Tryouts are typically held in early October. In 2009, the dates are Oct. 5-7. See the website homepage for specific times and locations. Tryouts will be listed on the website by early September.
What is the game schedule?
Thunderbird Select Hoops participates in the WesCO Youth Basketball League, which consists of 18 regular season games across 10 weekends, beginning in early December. Games are usually played on Saturdays, but an occasional Sunday may be scheduled due to weather or gym-availability issues. Teams typically play two games on game days at the following times:
5th and 7th grade: 1:30 and 4:10
6th and 8th grade: 2:50 and 5:30
Home games are played at the Shoreline Center Spartan Gym for the 5th and 6th grade teams and Shorewood High School for the 7th and 8th grade teams. Away games can be as far away as Mount Vernon or Oak Harbor or as close as Shorecrest and King’s. The league schedule will be released in November. A season-ending championship tournament will be played the first weekend in March.
In addition to the WesCO game schedule, teams often elect to play in 1-2 other AAU tournaments during the regular season.
What is the WesCO Youth Basketball League?
The WESCO Youth Basketball League was established in 2002. The league is comprised of 5th through 8th grade boys’ youth AAU basketball teams in the north Puget Sound region of western Washington. Each “feeder” program participating in the league is comprised of players who will eventually attend the same High School. The primary goal of the league is to develop future High School basketball players within the region. The following teams participate in the league:
Arlington, Cascade, Edmonds-Woodway, Everett, Glacier Peak, Jackson, Kamiak, King’s, Lake Stevens, Marysville-Pilchuck, Meadowdale, Monroe, Mount Vernon, Mountlake Terrace, Oak Harbor, Shorecrest, Shorewood, Snohomish and Stanwood.
For additional league information, please visit www.infosports.com/wybl
What is the practice schedule?
One to three practices per week at either Einstein or Shoreline Center Spartan Gym will begin in October for official team members. Practices could take place any night of the week from Monday-Friday, and typically last 1.5 hours for younger grades and 2 hours for older grades. Practices could begin as early as 5pm but end not later than 9pm. Coaches will distribute specific practice information to their teams as they become available. Practice and game schedules may also be found on our website.
What level of commitment is required?
The expectation is that Thunderbird Select Hoops will be each team member’s number one sports commitment during the season. We understand that there may be some conflict in the fall as boys may be finishing up other fall sports commitments. However, players should make every effort to attend each practice and game and playing time could be affected by missing practices. Players need to communicate absences with their coaches in advance.
How much does Thunderbird Select cost?
A non-refundable fee of $375 (5th & 6th) or $425 (7th & 8th) is required to cover the cost of uniforms, league and tournament fees, officiating fees, gym rentals, insurance, equipment and other costs related to maintaining a quality basketball program. Players will also be required to obtain a current AAU card which can be purchased online for $14 at www.aausports.org.
Are Scholarships Available?
A limited amount of partial scholarships may be available based on need. Please contact a TSH board member to discuss financial aid options or extended payment plans.
How many players are on each team?
Each team usually consists of 10 players. At the coach’s discretion, additional players may be added. Final rosters will be determined and boys will be notified within one week after tryouts in early October. Boys who did not make the team are encouraged to continue to work on their game by participating in recreational or other programs.
How is playing time determined?
As this is a select program, playing time for individual players will be earned based on a variety of factors that may include a player’s skills, effort, attendance, attitude and anything else that the coach deems important. At the 5th & 6th grade level, coaches will be encouraged to play each player a minimum of 1.5 quarters per game. At the 7th grade level a player should expect a minimum of 1 quarter of play per game. Playing time in 8th grade is at the coach's discretion as earned by the player. At all levels, playing time can be diminished due to disciplinary reasons, absences from practices, injury, etc. A primary coaching objective will be to help each player improve their individual skills during the season.
Who are the coaches for 2009-10?
Coaches of the 5th-7th grade teams are fathers of players on each team who have experience coaching young athletes. They will be mentored by former SPU men’s assistant coach Ben Scheffler, as well as former SPU women’s head coach Nels Hawkinson, and former UW player Nancy Hawkinson. Coach Scheffler will also oversee the training of the 7th & 8th grade programs. The 2009-10 coaches are:
5th grade: George Burr
6th grade: Kealii Aki
7th grade: Travis Testerman
8th grade: Ben Scheffler
Are volunteers needed to help with the program?
Yes! Volunteers are appreciated and needed. Opportunities include team managers, uniform and equipment management, communication management and website help. Scorekeepers are also needed on days we play games at our home gyms. Once the rosters are finalized we will request help in these and other areas. As a volunteer organization, our success is dependent on the participation of the players' parents.
How do I find out more information on Thunderbird Select Basketball?
If you are not already on the TSH email distribution list, email your contact information (player's name and grade in the fall, current school, address, email address and phone #) to thunderbirdselecthoops@gmail.com to be placed on a general distribution list for TSH activities.
