What is SBC?

Sycamore Basketball Club is a non-profit organization serving over 500 Boys and Girls living in the Sycamore Schools Community.  SBC provides children in grades 2nd - 6th the opportunity to experience basketball, emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and fun.  All of SBC's coaches and administrators are volunteers.

 

There are two types of teams coordinated by SBC.  We have Recreational teams and select teams for boys and girls in 3rd through 6th grades. Recreational teams are open to everyone.  Select teams are more competitive and the teams are selected by evaluators after two days of tryouts.  (See more information on Recreational vs. Select below.)

 

Who can play?

SBC coordinates both boys and girls teams for children in 2nd grade through 6th grade.  Children living in the Sycamore School District or attending Sycamore schools may participate.

 

How does it all work?

SBC provides uniforms, basketballs, and gym time for each team.  Children in grades 2-6 are assigned to teams and matched with coaches.

 

2nd and 3rd graders play Recreational intra-league games against other Sycamore teams.  Teams are coached by parents, and referees are provided by SBC.  All games are played at a Sycamore elementary school gym on Friday nights.  2nd graders and 3rd-grade girls play on 8.5 foot rims.  3rd-grade boys play on 10-foot rims.

Boys and girls in the 3rd-6th grade Recreational and Select teams are enrolled in the Cincinnati Premier Youth Basketball League (CPYBL) in divisions based on skill level.  CPYBL sets the rules and regulations, schedules games and tournaments, and provides referees.  Games are played at Sycamore gyms and at opponent’s gyms.  Opponent’s gyms may include Indian Hill, Madeira, Mason, Lakota, Kings, Terrace Park, Loveland, and others.

 

What does it cost?

Registration fees are typically $125 per child for Recreational teams.  Each player on a Select team must pay an additional $125.  These fees cover all costs associated with the program including facility rental, league dues, referees, uniforms, basketballs, postage, facility damage, insurance, etc.

 

Who provides uniforms?

SBC provides uniforms.  These uniforms must be returned to SBC at the end of the season.  Your child will not be allowed to play the following season if a uniform is not turned in and the fee is not paid.

 

Are there any other costs to participate?

Your child will need a pair of basketball shoes and some comfortable clothes for practice.  Other organizations may charge admission to games, so be prepared to pay a small admission fee at some away games.

 

If a uniform is not returned the family will be charged $60.

 

You may decide to buy a warm-up shirt or additional spirit wear, but these are optional and will range in cost. An email will be sent out following registration with these options.

 

How can I register to participate?

Registration must be completed online at sycamorebasketballclub.com. When registering online, you may pay by credit card, or by mailing a check.

 

After completing the online registration you can mail a check for $125 payable to SBC.

 

SBC
c/o Ronnie Hill, Treasurer

7935 Village Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45242

 

Registration is required by the end of September, but please register as soon as possible. Registration is on a first come/first served basis.  Space is limited, and unfortunately, boys and girls have been turned away in the past.  A $25 late fee applies to any registrations received after the due date.

 

When do practices start, and where are they held?

Practices will begin in late October.  Your coach will notify you when and where your team will be practicing.

 

Practices are held at one or more of the following Sycamore School gyms:  Symmes Elementary, Mapledale Elementary, Blue Ash Elementary, Montgomery Elementary, E. H. Greene Intermediate School, and Sycamore Junior High.

 

How often are practices?

In general, Recreational League teams practice once a week, and Select League teams practice twice a week.

 

When do games start?

Games usually start the first weekend in December.  Some Select teams may play in a pre-season tournament that usually begins the second weekend of November.

 

How many games will we play?

2nd and 3rd-grade Recreational teams play about 10 regular season games.

 

4th through 6th grade Recreational teams play 10 regular season games and participate in an end-of-season tournament that could result in as many as four additional games.

 

Select teams play about 20 regular season games, and participate in a pre-season tournament and a post season tournament.  Select teams also play in a holiday or pre-season tournament.  Select teams can expect to play 25-30 games in total.

 

Are there any other time commitments?
Yes, in the Select program there is a Holiday Tournament which all Select teams participate in which occurs during the Sycamore winter break.  This year's tournament is during the winter holiday school break.  Many volunteers are needed to make this popular tournament a success. While it is not essential that your child be at all tournament games, it is encouraged that you plan your travel schedule with these games in mind.

 

May I coach a team?

New coaches are needed every year.  Anyone interested in coaching should indicate this during the registration process.
You don’t have to be a basketball genius to coach, but some knowledge of the game is needed.  Coaches should be well organized, and they must be able to work well with children.

 

Coaches for Select teams do need a greater knowledge of the game, and they should be prepared for a greater time commitment.

 

All coaching assignments are made at the sole discretion of the SBC Board.  The SBC Board reserves the right to remove a coach.

 

What is Recreational, and what is Select?

Recreational is for those children interested in playing basketball and learning the fundamentals of the game.  Select basketball is for the more advanced player looking for additional playing time and a more competitive environment.

Select players are chosen at a tryout run by the SBC Board.  Usually, there are 2 Select teams at each grade level depending on the number of players trying out.
If your child does not make a Select team, he/she will be automatically placed on a Recreational team.

 

When and where are Select tryouts?

Select team tryouts will be held at the E.H. Greene Middle School typically during the first week of October. See the website for exact times and dates.  Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time to sign-in and warm up. 

 

What happens if my child does not make a Select team?

Any child not making a Select team is automatically put on a Recreational team.

 

Can my child play up a grade?

All players must attend the Select tryout for their grade.

 

Do you have any teams for older players?

SBC organizes and supports teams through the 6th grade.  However, we also help 7th-12th grade teams with their league registration and provide gym time for home games. There is no individual registration for 7-12 graders. You must register as a team.  The CPYBL has separate divisions for 7th, 8th, JV for 9th and 10th graders, and Varsity for 11th and 12th graders.  For more information, please contact Mark Newman.

 

How can I help run SBC?

Parent volunteers provide much-needed assistance during tournaments and throughout the season. Help is needed in many different areas such as scheduling gyms and games, picture day, tournament coordinators, website manager, and uniform distribution.  Some jobs require ongoing assistance while others are short-term. Since parent volunteers run SBC, Board positions may become available as children move on to the Junior High.

 

Click here to contact anyone on the SBC Board if you are interested in helping in any way.