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| Girls
Basketball Travel Information |
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A message from Fishers Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach
I encourage all players that have interest in playing basketball at the high school level to get
involved in our travel basketball program. This travel program places our youth players in a
competitive environment which leads to improved skills and basketball maturity. More importantly
the enjoyment level of the players, camaraderie with teammates, love of the game, and personal
development of positive character traits are also enhanced as the youth players are working
with teammates towards a common goal. I firmly believe that the travel program is a key to
the individual and collective success of the players in our program.
- Coach Gaines
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What is the travel basketball program?
The girls travel basketball program was developed to provide 3rd-8th grade girls in the
HSE/Fishers community with a higher level of competition and development. The teams are
entered into a league that consists of dozens of teams from the central Indiana area,
primarily from the north and east sides of Indianapolis. Additional opportunities such as
holiday and year-end tournaments may allow the teams to gain even more game experience.
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What type of time commitment can we expect for Travel Basketball?
Teams usually practice 2 times per week (one weeknight and Saturday morning) and play
competitive games on Sundays. The 7th and 8th grade travel season begins with evaluations
shortly after school begins in August, and runs thru November. The 3rd-6th grade seasons
starts with camp and evaluations in September. League play runs from November thru January
with a league tournament in February. 3rd-5th grade teams may also play in a Thursday night
league.
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I hear "travel" and think of long drives, hotel stays, and weekend-long tournaments. Is that the case?
Not at all - the "travel" name in this case is a bit of a misnomer, but is used to
distinguish the program from our recreational program, Intermediate/Junior High programs,
and spring/summer AAU clubs. Our teams play in a league based out of The Fieldhouse (in
Fishers behind the Target on 116th St), and about half of the Sunday afternoon games are
played there. The remainder of the Sunday games are played at schools across the Indianapolis
metro area. All Thursday night games are played at The Fieldhouse.
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How are teams selected?
Players are separated based on grade, and are split into Fishers and HSE teams based on the
current high school boundaries. Teams are chosen during evaluations in August (for 7th and
8th graders) and September (for 3rd-6th). Players are evaluated based on individual skills
and attitude. Teams are generally kept to 8-10 girls, and an effort is made to accommodate
all girls who want to play.
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Are evaluation dates known for the 2009/2010 season?
Yes, see the main page for details.
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How much does it cost to participate?
The cost to participate is approximately $150-200 per player, depending on grade. This
includes league fees, school usage fees (for practices), insurance, etc. A uniform (shorts
and reversible jersey) costs approximately $35, and the same uniform is used each year.
Shooting shirts are optional and are available for $22 each.
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How are coaches selected?
Interested parent coaches and independent coaches must submit their names to the travel
coordinator. Coaches are selected by the travel coordinator and varsity coach based on
experience, feedback from prior seasons, and an interview if necessary. All coaches and
assistants must pass a background check performed by SPORTS.
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Do the travel teams take the place of the Intermediate/Jr. High school teams?
No, the intermediate school teams and the travel teams are mutually exclusive of one another.
Your daughter may play for either of the two teams or both of them. The decision is totally
up to the player and her parents. The Junior High travel season ends before or shortly after
school tryouts. The 6th grade travel season overlaps the school season, so 6th grade travel
teams do not have weeknight practice once the school teams begin practicing.
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My daughter is not the best player, but she works hard and loves playing. Should she play
on the travel team or in the recreational league?
We always encourage girls to go out for the travel basketball team if they like competition
and enjoy challenging practices. However, we do like to point out that travel basketball is
significantly different from the recreational league. In addition to individual development,
coaches are attempting to place the most competitive teams on the floor. Playing time is at
the coach's discretion based on the commitment of time, energy of the players, and the game
situation. Equal playing time is not the top priority as is the case in the recreational
league. With that said, it is a developmental program and each girl will receive adequate
playing time over the course of a season.
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Does my daughter need to attend both the 2-day travel and the evaluations?
Every player must attend evaluations in order to participate in the travel program, unless
arrangements are made ahead of time with the travel coordinator for your school. The 2-day
camp for 3rd-6th graders is highly recommended, but not mandatory.
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Should I sign my daughter up for the recreational league if she is planning to play on a
travel team?
Yes, but it is not a requirement. If your daughter makes a travel team, the money you paid
towards the recreational league will be applied in full towards her travel fees. If she does
not get selected for the travel team, then she will be placed on a recreational team by the
recreational league commissioner.
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Where can I go if I have additional questions?
Each high school program has a representative on the SPORTS girls' basketball board who acts
as a liaison between the travel program and the varsity head coach. For additional information
on the Fishers girls' travel program, please contact FHS Travel Coordinator
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