BASKETBALL AND CHEER
Build skills, confidence, and Christlike character—without the pressure to perform.
Ages 5 through 5th grade
more than a game
Finding a league where kids can grow in character, develop their skills, and strengthen their faith at the same time isn’t easy. Too often, the focus is on wins and stats instead of true growth. That’s why Emmanuel partners with Upward Sports—to offer a Christ-centered league where kids are guided, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way.
2026 SEASON OVERVIEW
Each participant must attend ONE of the following:
- Sunday, October 19: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
- Monday, October 20: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
- Sunday, October 26: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
- Monday, October 27: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Please enter through Door #3.
General Practice Info:
- Practices begin the week of January 5.
- Teams practice one night per week for one hour.
- Practice nights are Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday (except 3rd–5th grade girls, who practice on Friday before their game).
- Families may indicate one night they cannot practice.
- Siblings will practice the same night (unless one is in the Friday night league).
- Due to the size of our league, we are unable to honor any carpool or specific coach requests.
Typical Practice Times by Grade:
- Kindergarten / Age 5 (boys and girls): 6:00–7:00 PM
- 1st grade (boys and girls) and 2nd grade (girls): 6:00–7:00 PM or 7:00–8:00 PM
- 2nd and 3rd grade (boys): 7:00–8:00 PM
- 3rd–5th grade (girls): 6:00 PM (before game)
- 4th and 5th grade (boys): 8:00–9:00 PM
General Game Info:
- Games begin January 9-10.
- All games are on Saturday mornings (except 3rd–5th grade girls, who play Friday nights).
- Game times may vary based on the number of teams in each league.
- Season Length:
- 8 weeks: Kindergarten/5 year olds, 1st grade (boys and girls), 2nd grade (girls), cheerleaders
- 10 weeks: 2nd grade (boys), 3rd grade (boys), 3rd–5th grade (girls), 4th–5th grade (boys)
Typical Game Times by Grade:
- Kindergarten / Age 5 (boys and girls): 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM
- 1st grade (boys and girls) and 2nd grade (girls): 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM
- 2nd and 3rd grade (boys): 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM (competitive league option available*)
- 3rd–5th grade (girls): Games start at 7:15 PM on Friday nights (practice at 6:00 PM before game)
- 4th and 5th grade (boys): 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 4:00 PM
*Competitive League Option (3rd grade boys): Players in this division will have the opportunity to participate in a competitive league that uses standard basketball rules—such as stealing the ball and tracking fouls. While scores will be kept, no official win/loss records will be maintained. This league will be limited to 32 players. If space permits, 2nd grade boys may be added. The league director has the final decision on which league a participant plays in based upon the numbers of players’ and the players’ abilities.
Cheerleading:
- Cheer for the full length of a game (1 hour)
- Rotate through a variety of game times during the season
- All cheer teams cheer on Saturdays
- Complete schedule shared after registration closes
- Base Cost: $100 (First child)
- Additional Child(ren): $80 each
- Optional Add-ons: Shorts or Turtlenecks $15 each
- Scholarships are available
KEY DATES
- September 15 — Registration opens
- October 19-27 — Evaluations (attend one)
- January 5-9 — First practice
- January 9-10 — Games begin
- January 23-24 — Picture day
- February 27-28 — Closing celebration
- February 28 — Last game for K/5, 1st grade (boys and girls), 2nd grade (girls) and cheerleaders
- March 13-14 — Last game for all other teams
volunteer opportunities
help shape a season of growth
Serve as a coach, referee, concession helper, timekeeper, or evaluation assistant.
Ready to Register?
Secure your spot for the 2026 season beginning September 15 at 12pm.