What is Mudsock Select Basketball?
Mudsock Select was developed to provide the players with a higher level of competition and development. This is an option for 3rd-6th grades. The high school coaches run fall programming for 7-8th grade. The teams are entered into leagues that consist of dozens of teams from the central Indiana area. The season runs from mid-September through early March. All games are within an hour drive of Fishers. There are no overnight or out-of-state tournaments. The focus of the Mudsock Select program is to teach our young athletes fundamental basketball skills and expose them to higher level competition, which is emphasized during practice.
Time Commitment
The teams will practice two (2) times per week and play league games on the weekends. Midweek games generally occur during tournament play only. Weekday practices are scheduled to begin and end somewhere between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Each team will practice for 1.50 hrs. Days and times depend on gym availability. Each practice will begin with 30-45 minutes of fundamental drills. For grades with more than one team, teams will combine for fundamental work before splitting into individual teams. Fundamental drills will be run by the head coach of the A Team.
For 3rd – 6th grade, teams will play in the Indiana Youth Basketball League (IYBL) Fall and Winter Leagues and Coaches League, ran by area high school coaches. IYBL generally consists of one game on Saturday at either Finch Creek Fieldhouse (Noblesville), Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, also known as PAC), IBA, (96th and Keystone, Indianapolis). The Coaches League consists of two games on Sundays and are played at schools throughout the Indianapolis Metro.
The high school coaches are involved with Select teams at various levels.
Team selection will be based on individual skills assessments and 5on5 / 3on3 team play. Evaluators will also be looking at individual effort and attitude. Tryouts are closed to all parents and spectators. Teams are selected to represent either Fishers or Hamilton Southeastern based upon which High School they would attend if they were incoming Freshmen. Multiple teams may be formed in each grade level, based on turnout and skill level. Teams are formed to be competitive, with the A Team being most competitive.
Mudsock Select Basketball Evaluations
All players must attend tryouts. It is VERY IMPORTANT that every player attend the designated evaluation session. Evaluation scores will help to ensure a better playing experience for ALL, as the teams will be divided as fairly as possible based on evaluation scores. Girls must attend the evaluations for the high school district they live in based on their current address. Please check the website for details on dates and locations of tryouts.
There are no additional dates for make-ups.
Refund Policy
Once a player has attended evaluations, been selected to the team and paid the dues at the registration, no refund will be given.
Playing Time
Playing time is at the coach’s discretion based on the commitment of time, energy of the players and the game situation. There is no guarantee of equal playing time, but it is recommended, by the Mudsock Girls Basketball league board of directors, that if a player attends practice with a good attitude, they should see some playing time each game.
Coach Selection
Parent coaches and independent coaches are utilized. The Fishers/HSE travel commissioners will select coaches based on requests and recommendations. Prior year coaches will be given first consideration; however, parents of returning players may volunteer for the head coach’s position and will be considered. The head coach position will not be assigned until after teams have formed. Head coaches will pick their assistant coaches. If the team is newly formed or the head coach does not have an assistant coach already, Fishers/HSE travel commissioners will assist in the selection process.
What is required to become a coach?
While winning is important, there are other goals just as important when developing young people into adults and basketball players. You must be willing to follow the guidelines set by the Mudsock Girls Basketball board of directors:
Must be opened minded and willing to learn.
Playing experience is helpful but it is not the most important aspect of coaching.
Becoming a good coach takes years of experience and a good deal of time.
Must be a coach for all the players, not just their family members.
Must manage the parents as well as the players.
What do I do if I'd like to become a coach?
Email your contact information to the Mudsock Select commissioner associated with the high school your participant will attend. If your daughter will attend Fishers High School, contact the Fishers travel commissioner, Amber Moore [email protected]. If your daughter will attend Hamilton Southeastern High School, contact the HSE travel commissioner, Ryan Smalligan [email protected]. Let the commissioner know the grade you wish to coach and if you're interested in being the head coach or assistant coach. Travel coaches are selected by the respective travel commissioners.
A volunteer form must be filled out every year. Please note that Mudsock Youth Athletics will run a Background check on all coaches.