Basketball

Basketball

A mandatory parent and student meeting is typically scheduled in early October at First Baptist Church Mishawaka.

Check the Schedule regularly for updates on practice and game times and locations!

Have questions?

Go to the "For Parents" tab on the website for more details (MCAC Handbook, applications, etc.).
Contact us at MCACWildcats@yahoo.com

Basketball Teams

Age Levels

The following is a guideline for determining which team a student will be considered:
- Elementary: 4^th through 6^th grade; age 12 and under by Sept. 1.
- Junior High: 7^th and 8^th grade; age 14 and under by Sept. 1.
- Junior Varsity and Varsity: 9^th through 12^th grade; age 18 and under by Sept. 1.
Players are assigned to a team based upon the youngest team they are eligible for. This is their primary team. Based upon skill level, the board and a coach(es) may determine a student is able to `play up'.
- For example, an 8^th grader may be invited to play on a JV/Varsity team. In this case the player’s primary team would be junior high but could dress for JV/Varsity when available.
Some tournaments have teams based on a player's age as of September 1 of the current season, which may allow for a different configuration for MCAC teams.
- For example, a 9^th grade JV/Varsity player who is only 14 as of September 1 would be eligible to play on a U14 (under 14) team which could also include younger `junior high' players.
In rare instances, a player may exhibit talent that enables them to consistently compete at one or two levels above their age bracket. It is our goal to have students play in their age-appropriate level, but the board can evaluate special circumstances should the need arise.

Schedule General Overview (subject to change)

Summer: May - August

Players are encouraged to continue their skill development and can be given a schedule to continue their conditioning in the off-season.
Players are encouraged to attend local athletic camps and/or training workshops (contact coaches for suggestions).
Open gym times may be held periodically for junior high and high school players.
Families encouraged to contact companies, individuals, etc. regarding sponsoring MCAC (more information below).

Early Fall: August - October

Open gyms may be held on a more regular basis for some teams.
- Typically once a week for about 1.5 -2 hours.
Practices begin mid/late October for: girls and boys - junior high and high school.
Fundraisers may occur during this time (different from sponsorships, more information below).

Fall/Winter: November - February

Practice
- Elementary practices once a week
  - Boys elementary: Practices typically begin early November.
  - Girls elementary: Practices typically begin early December.
- Junior high teams (boys and girls) typically practice two times per week (sometimes three).
- High school teams (boys and girls) typically practice three times per week.
  - Practices typically begin in late October or early November.
Locations, days and times vary by team – see the schedule on the MCAC website for regular updates.
When games begin, we try to schedule a total of only three nights per week (junior high and high school) including practices and games; one or two for elementary. However, that isn't always possible.

Spring: March - April

Nationals – Teams/players going to the National Tournament may vary each year. Players can attend as an independent player who is then assigned to a team.
Annual basketball award banquet.