HYAA Basketball: The Huntersville Hoops Journey (Winter 2025-2026)
Welcome to the HYAA Basketball Winter Season! We are thrilled to welcome 800+ players (and growing!) for what is set to be an amazing season. The 2025-2026 season is built around our mission to foster growth, confidence, and community in every athlete.
🚨 URGENT REMINDER: Final Registration Deadline This Weekend!
- Final Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 2nd @ 11:59 AM. (Divisions are closing fast!)
- Player Assessments Begin: Monday, November 3rd (Mandatory for most divisions).
- Coaches Meeting Reminder: All registered coaches must attend the mandatory meeting this evening to discuss assessments and the upcoming season.
Progressive Pathway: Division Structure & Goals
The primary goals for each division are outlined below to guide coaches, inform parents, and set clear expectations for the player to experience at each stage.
Introductory Division
- Rookies Division (Ages 5U: Co-ed):
Goal 1: Provides a welcoming, playful, and inclusive first experience, focusing on basic movement, following simple instructions, and building comfort with the basketball.
Goal 2: Sparks early confidence and enthusiasm for the game through fun, structured activities where participation is the sole measure of success.
Developmental / Foundational Divisions
- Jumpstart Division (Ages 6-7):
- Goal 1: Introduces fundamental basketball skills (dribbling, passing, shooting) in a fun, positive, and inclusive first team experience.
- Goal 2: Builds basic confidence and sparks a potential lifelong passion through engaging activities focused on participation and learning teamwork.
- Sprouts Division (Ages 6-8: Girls):
- Goal 1: Provides a fun, girls-only environment to learn the very basics of the game, fostering self-confidence and group engagement.
- Goal 2: Emphasizes skill-building and teamwork in a low-pressure setting to build a strong foundation for future play.
- Foundation Division (Ages 8-9):
- Goal 1: Focuses on refining core skills and understanding fundamental team concepts (offense/defense) through structured drills and guided gameplay.
- Goal 2: Emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive development, helping players grow their abilities and game knowledge within a supportive community.
Competitive / Middle School Prep Divisions
- Elevate Division (Ages 9-11: Girls):
- Goal 1: Accelerates skill development in a dedicated girls' league, introducing structured team play and fostering leadership among peers.
- Goal 2: Challenges players to increase their basketball IQ, preparing them for the faster pace and increased competition of the older divisions.
- Gateway Division (Ages 10-11: Boys):
- Goal 1: Develops the application of game skills and introduces more advanced team strategies, providing a key foundation for future competitive play (Middle School prep).
- Goal 2: Builds confidence and basketball IQ through structured competition, teamwork, and fair play, empowering players to move to the next level.
- Strategy Division (Ages 12-13: Boys):
- Goal 1: Enhances skill execution under pressure and strategic decision-making in a competitive recreational environment simulating Middle School / early High School pace.
- Goal 2: Challenges players to realize their potential and prepare for higher levels while reinforcing advanced teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
- Ascend Division (Ages 12-15: Girls):
- Goal 1: Provides a high-energy, competitive environment for 7th and 8th graders, focusing on refining advanced team strategies and playing with increased physicality.
- Goal 2: Fosters leadership and confidence necessary to excel in the later stages of youth basketball and beyond.
High School Division
- Legacy Division (Grades 9-12):
- Goal 1: Provides a fun, organized, and competitive recreational league for high school players to continue playing and enjoying the game they love.
- Goal 2: Fosters leadership, community connection, and a lifelong passion for basketball within a positive and supportive team environment.
Winter Season Scheduling FrameworkAll regular season games are played on Saturdays. The following provides a rough alignment of game times and locations. Please note that specific practice nights, game times, and gym locations are subject to change based on final registration numbers and facility allocations.
| Division Name | Game Time Slots | Projected Gym Location(s) |
| Rookies (5U) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Torrence Creek |
| Sprouts (6-8 Girls) | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Rec Center or Barnette |
| Jumpstart (6-7 Boys) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Rec Center or LNC Elementary |
| Foundations (8-9 Boys) | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | LNC Middle or LNC Elementary |
| Elevate (9-11 Girls) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Rec Center or Barnette |
| Ascend (12-15 Girls) | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Barnette Elementary |
| Gateway (10-11 Boys) | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Rec Center or JM Alexander |
| Strategy (12-13 Boys) | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | LNC High School or Rec Center |
| Legacy (14-18 Boys) | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | LNC HS, LNC-MS, LNC-EL, Rec Center |
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date / Time |
| Registration Closes | Sunday, November 2nd @ 11:59 AM |
| Player Evaluations | Week of November 3rd |
| Team Draft & Formation | Week of November 10th |
| First Practice Begin | Week of December 1st |
| First Games Begin | Saturday, December 6th |
| Wild Card & Playoff Games Begin | Week of February 23rd |
| Championship Day | Saturday, March 7th |
| All-star Game | Sunday, March 8th |
Interested in Coaching? (Deadline: November 2nd)
We rely heavily on volunteer coaches and are implementing a formal application process this season. Please complete the HYAA Basketball Coaching Application Google Form by November 2nd to be considered.
1. Application Link: https://forms.gle/HpT5Ee5LJj8V2VSM9
2. Background Check: All selected coaches must still complete a mandatory background check.
3. Important Rule: Due to scheduling, coaches may only participate in one division.
If you have any questions about the process, please contact our Assistant Director, Stephanie Francione, at [email protected].
Financial assistance information is available during the registration process.