Boys teams: 5th-6th; 7th-8th; 9th and Boys Varsity as well as Girls Varsity including grades 7-12.
The philosophy of the basketball program is to introduce students to competitive basketball and terminology, and to hone their individual and team skills as they advance through to the next level. While winning is important, sportsmanship and preserving the self-esteem of the players are the coaches top priorities. The coaching staff will play everyone who comes to practice. Practice is critical to performing in the games – and those who attend practice will be given priority during games. Because practice is integral to both the sport and team dynamic, those players who fail to show up often find themselves unable to play within the team structure and tend to be lost on both offense and defense.
Unlike the 5th and 6th Grade games, 7th and 8th grade playing time will vary from game to game based on the level of competition. We do not have “tryouts” as many other parochial and public schools do. Every student who wants to join the basketball team is welcome. However, because this is a competitive sport, players who come to practice and exhibit talent are often chosen as the starters. With that said, players who would not be able to participate in other middle school basketball programs because they “didn’t make the cut,” are given the opportunity to practice, play and made to feel a part of the Akiva basketball team. Players may contribute in many ways that are not always related to “play-time,” while learning important on-court and life skills.
Please understand that we try our hardest to play everyone whenever possible. However, there may be some games where your son may not get as much on-court time as he (or you) would like. While winning is not everything, attempting to do your best to win in a sportsman-like manner and learning to deal with competitive situations is very important.
We would kindly request that parents who have issues with what happens during a game, wait 24 hours before approaching the coaching staff to discuss the matter. Both coaches and parents can become very emotional after a hard fought game and it helps everyone if there is a “cooling-off period” so that decorum can prevail.
The coaching staff looks forward to a productive and fulfilling season and thanks you for the opportunity to coach your children.
Please note: We are looking for students to be Basketball Team Managers, work the scoreboard and keep the scorebook during games. If a sibling, male or female, is interested in the position, please contact us.
Registration Information
1) In order to be apprised of changes in the schedule, and to avoid confusion, each member of the basketball team will be asked to provide an e-mail address so players and parents may be updated weekly or as changes dictate. Without an email address, students and parents are often forced to rely on the old-fashioned “word of mouth system,” which often leads to showing up to an empty gym or missing games or practices. Coach Taylor’s email address is ktayloresq99@aol.com.
2) NEW: All players must fill out an MHSAA Medical History Form and Student/Guardian consent form in order to be eligible to play. Contact Coach Rick Kaczander to obtain these forms.
3) Registration fee is $36 with checks made payable to the Akiva. Uniforms must be purchased separately (many players may have them already – but please make sure they still fit) and information will be forthcoming when an order is being placed.
4) Players must wear their kippot at all times and three clips should be used to hold them in place. A large-knit kippah that stays on by itself will also work well. Please have your son wear a plain, white t-shirt under his jersey to all basketball games so that our team will look “uniform.” Inappropriate language, disruption and disparaging comments may be cause for dismissal from the team at the staff’s discretion.
We thank you for your support and understanding in making this a meaningful experience for everyone. Feel free to call Coach Taylor with questions or concerns at (248) 538-1921.
