Updated Wednesday, March 10, 2010    To help you locate  and  items, we try to highlight them for a week or so after they are placed or replaced.

Click HERE for this year’s tournament information, including all results.  Of the 144 games played, 64 of them (44.4%) were so-called “upsets.”  That’s why we played the games and didn’t “mail in” the presumed results!

 

In September, a rule change was enacted that included a player’s experience (number of “seasons” played in organized basketball), along with his or her height, when Junior and Major League teams of third thru sixth graders were formed via the blind draw.  We expected that this would help level the playing field, especially the third and fifth grades this year and with some effect on the fourth and sixth grades since the bulk of those teams would be “returning.”

 

It is difficult to “measure” the effect on our individual girls’ leagues since we had JG, MG5 and MG6 last season, JG3, JG4 and MG this season (the grade levels were not identical).  However, overall, in the 2009 season the “average point spread” in the girls’ post-season tournaments was 11.1 points.  This season the spread was 6.4 points, which seems to be a significant improvement (42% reduction).

 

For the boys’ teams, the “point spreads” in our tournaments the past two seasons show that the teams seem to have been “more equal” this season.  The results:

 

League

2009 Season

Average spread

2010 Season

Average spread

Comment/observation

JB3

7.9

7.4

Somewhat better than last season – a half-point per game

JB4

8.5

7.1

A mild surprise – almost a point a game better than last season’s JB3 “moving up”

MB5

12.5

5.3

Significantly better than last season – over seven points a game

MB6

13.5

7.7

A big surprise – about five points a game better that last season’s MB5 “moving up”

 

The rule change appears to have had a positive effect on the balance between teams in each of the boys’ Junior and Major Leagues.

 

Overall – all boys’ and all girls’ leagues in all four grades – the 2009 average spread was 11.1 points, in 2010 it was 6.7 points, a 40% reduction.  In addition, for both boys’ and girls’ leagues, 47% of their tournament games were won by “underdogs.”

 

League

Sportsmanship Scholarship

Coach of the Year

Rookie Boys First Grade

Casey Novelo - Bulldogs

Bill Lovell - Lakers

Rookie Boys Second Grade

Ben Crawford - Mustangs

Larry Wells - Little Mavs

Junior Boys Third Grade

Jordique Vincent - Celtics

Alex Moreno - Pistons

Junior Boys Fourth Grade

Kenneth Reeves - Tar Heels

David Von Luckner - Vipers

Major Boys Fifth Grade

Boston Billings - Celtics

Andy Leonard - Boomtown Rats

Major Boys Sixth Grade

Cade Hutchinson - Red Raiders

Alan Burkett - Longhorns

Senior Boys

Kalen McFadden - Express

Ricky West - Warriors

Robbie Rodgers - Blackhawks

David Draper - Nuggets

Rookie Girls

Hiral Dhruve - Dream

Paul Duckworth - Lakers

Junior Girls Third Grade

Emma Speegel - Mystics

Kendrix Wilson - Sun Rockets

Junior Girls Fourth Grade

Erin Keohane - Lady Brahmas

Alan Burkett - Lady Brahmas

Major Girls

Nina Flores - Red Hots

Morgan Burkhart - Eagles

 

Sportsmanship scholarships are awarded annually in memory of Louise Koontz, former Junior Girls’ Commissioner, and Bill Rippy, long-time MCBA President.  Recipients are invited to return for the following season without paying a registration fee, if they have eligibility remaining (not yet in the 9th grade).

 

 

“Real soon now,” sometime in April, there will be a general meeting of the voting members of the Association.  The primary purposes will be to (1) rehash the past season (what we did right, what can be improved, things like that) AND (2) elect officers for the 2010-2011 season.

 

If you’d like to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors – MCBA gave your kid a lot, perhaps it’s time to return the favor – then let Jim Griffin, MCBA’s President, know you are interested in helping out.  Click HERE for the list of MCBA’s Board of Directors.  Take a look at who is currently on the board, take a guess at who will “move up” and where you might fit in, then find Jim’s entry and send him a note.  “Wherever you need me the most” is always welcome!  You will see, by the way, that we were “short” some commissioners this year.  THAT’s where we really can use the help!

 

Rate Your Coach

The National Youth Sports Coaches Association asks you to “rate your coach” if you will follow a few simple steps.  Note, this is NOT an anonymous opportunity; MCBA’s clinician will evaluate your responses based on WHO participates, but the coach will not know your identity.

1) Click HERE to send a note to “info@midcitiesbasketball.org” requesting the “member number” of your coach.

2) Once you receive that number, click on the “Rate Your Coach” icon to the left.

3) Enter that six-digit ID number.

4) You’ll then enter your name, your e-mail address, and one or two other details to identify you.

5) You are asked fourteen questions, each with a sliding scale from 1 to 10.  There is NO PROVISION to enter “comments.”

 

Note:  You can “rate” both your head coach as well as any assistants since all MCBA coaches are NYSCA certified.

 

Click HERE for a preview of the fourteen questions; is this worth my time and effort?  Coaches:  If you want to encourage families to “rate you,” get out your NYSCA membership ID card at a team huddle or party, or use e-mail, and disclose your six-digit ID number.

 

 

Click HERE for game schedules and scores by league.  All results are entered.

 

  Our web site has a search engine feature.  Try it:  Click HERE to search MCBA’s Web Site.  A new window will open.

 

This search engine scans through the files on this web site “now,” which makes updates (especially additions) show up immediately:  We do not use a “cache.”  A search for “bobby smith” might take about 8-10 seconds.

 

  MCBA has published Frequently Asked Questions since 1999-2000. 

 

Click HERE for the current edition.  For a printable version of the FAQ, click HERE.

 

Thinking ahead to October registration and the 2011 season, RETURNING players’ options based on current MCBA rules (reference:  MCBA Rules 2.0 and 3.0):

 

   The 2010 season’s first graders (RB1, some RG) normally stay together in the second grade Rookie League (RB2 or RG), but may be reassigned.  Second grade teams are formed by “consensus” of the commissioner and coaches with “neighborhoods” and “buddies” given maximum consideration.

   The 2010 season’s second graders (RB2, some RG) form NEW teams in the third grade Junior League (JB3 or JG3).  No more that TWO “protected players” per team and the rest thru a “blind draw” WITHOUT regard to “buddy” or “car pooling” preferences.  NO EXCEPTIONS, no refunds if you’re not on the same team as your buddy.

   The 2010 season’s third graders (JB3 and JG3) normally stay together in the fourth grade Junior League (JB4 or JG4).  A returning player, with his/her parent desiring to be a HEAD coach, may become the first “protected player” on a NEW team.  Any other RETURNING player may “go back into the blind draw” which is his/her ONLY option, NO EXCEPTIONS.  In other words, if you played on “team A” this season, and you wish to be on another team with another coach, you must “take your chances in the draw.”

   The 2010 season’s fourth graders (JB4 and JG4) form NEW teams in the fifth grade Major League (MB5 or MG5).  No more that TWO “protected players” per team and the rest thru a “blind draw” WITHOUT regard to “buddy” or “car pooling” preferences.  NO EXCEPTIONS, no refunds if you’re not on the same team as your buddy.

   The 2010 season’s fifth graders (MB5, some MG) normally stay together in the sixth grade Major League (MB6 or MG6).  A returning player, with his/her parent desiring to be a HEAD coach, may become the first “protected player” on a NEW team.  Any other RETURNING player may “go back into the blind draw” which is his/her ONLY option, NO EXCEPTIONS.  In other words, if you played on “team A” in this season, and you wish to be on another team with another coach, you must “take your chances in the draw.”

   The 2010 season’s sixth graders (MB6, some MG) are encouraged to register for the Senior League (SB or SG) in October.  Just how many players register – the “numbers” – will determine if there are separate seventh and eighth grade leagues.  Currently, “consensus” is used to form teams.  A coach may “protect” no more than TWO players.  Teams will be formed in the best interests of as many players as possible, trying to level the playing field.  This process is “inexact” and MCBA is receptive to inquiries.  For the past six years or so we have NOT formed Senior Girls teams due to lack of registration interest.

   The 2010 season’s seventh graders (some SB) probably stay together in the Senior League (SB), if they wish.  They may find themselves on newly-formed teams.

   The 2010 season’s eighth graders (some SB) have completed their eligibility to play with MCBA.  Good luck making your ninth grade school teams.

 

NEW players (those that did not participate in MCBA during the 2010 season) enter the grade-appropriate/gender-appropriate league, either through the “blind draw” or as a “protect” (subject to the limitations of protected players).  The Frequently Asked Questions contain an outline of how the “blind draw” is conducted.

 

 

Click league name below for complete team rosters for the 2010 season, each of which includes the individual team’s game and photo schedule.

 

League

League

League

RB1 - Rookie Boys, First Grade

MB5 - Major Boys, Fifth Grade

RG - Rookie Girls, First and Second Grades

RB2 - Rookie Boys, Second Grade

MB6 - Major Boys, Sixth Grade

JG3 - Junior Girls, Third Grade

JB3 - Junior Boys, Third Grade

SB - Senior Boys, Seventh and Eighth Grades

JG4 - Junior Girls, Fourth Grade

JB4 - Junior Boys, Fourth Grade

 

MG - Major Girls, Fifth and Sixth Grades

 

 

Click HERE for all coaches, head and assistant, whose applications have been received, processed and certified.

 

Click HERE for the list of our teams, by league (with head coaches names and jersey/number colors included).

 

Click HERE to see what practice sites have been reserved, by location (elementary school).

Click HERE to see what practice sites have been reserved, by league ID/team name.

 

Click HERE for the list of players.

 

 

MCBA typically uses the H-E-B ISD school calendar as a guide, adjusting our schedule to begin following Winter Break and end with a week to spare before Spring Break.  For the MCBA 2009-2010 calendar, click HERE.

 

§          Annual kick-off members’ meeting Saturday, September 19 at the Hurst Rec. Center (rule change proposals, practice site assignments, registration and advertising help, etc.).

§          Player registration October 10, 13, 17, 20 and 24 at the Hurst Rec. Center with another Saturday (November 7) for late registration.

§          Player draw (team formation) Saturday, November 21 at the Hurst Rec. Center.

§          Last day any player may register is Saturday, December 5, and then only to fill out rosters up to 8 players per team.

§          On site (classroom) coaching clinics for NEW coaches Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19.  New coaches may elect to attend an “online” clinic, at MCBA’s expense.  Returning coaches have their certifications renewed automatically.

§          Practice begins Monday, January 4, 2010.

§          Last day for a prospective coach to attend a “certification clinic,” and have MCBA pay the fee, is Friday, January 8.  At that time we reconcile records and pay all fees in one lump sum.

§          Games on each Saturday from January 9 through February 27.

§          Team/individual pictures on January 23, and perhaps on February 6.

§          Coaches’ Exhibition Games on February 20.

§          Post season tournament (March Madness) from Sunday, February 28 through Saturday, March 6.

§          A wrap-up members’ meeting, primarily for the election of officers, in April at a date to be determined.

 

 

 For MCBA’s 2010 annual budget, click HERE.  Since adoption, $2500 in “sponsorships” was pledged.  We also increased the number of “scholarships” to 115 and all were awarded before registration ended.

 

 We routinely produce a Quick Status Report from our records following key events.  Click HERE for end-of-season status reports for the past six seasons, working backwards from this season.

 

 Click HERE for a registration analysis (size of leagues) over the past fifteen seasons.  Click HERE to see where our players attended school the past six years.

 

 Click HERE for MCBA’s voting members, our head coaches and current board members.

 

 

MCBA has many informational materials for reference:

 

Document

HTML Version

PDF Version

MCBA’s Bylaws

Click

Click

MCBA’s Rules

Click

Click

Player Draw Rule Explanations

Click

Click

Rookie League Rules Summary

Click

Click

Junior League Rules Summary

Click

Click

Major League Rules Summary

Click

Click

Senior League Rules Summary

Click

Click

Coaching Box Rule

Click

Click

Player Participation Policy

Click

Click

Criminal Background Check Policy for Coaches

Click

Click

MCBA’s Awards Policy

Click

Click

Post-Season Tournament Notes

Click

Click

Background information about our tournaments

Click

Click

Rules and Conduct at Practices

Click

Click

Reference for Clock Keepers and Scorekeepers

Click

Clock Keepers

Scorekeepers

A simple check list for MCBA coaches

Click

Click

Often Heard Gripes (by kids!)

Click

Click

Attachment to License (“contract”)

n/a

Click

Nonschool Use of School Facilities

Click

Click

Calendar of Events

Click

Click

Practice Session Selection Memo

Click

Click

School Map

Reference material primarily for MCBA’s Commissioners

Click

Reference

Compensation

Reference material primarily for MCBA’s Coaches

Click

Click

Discussion of uniform colors and numbers

Click

Click

Credit Card Policy

Click

Click

 

   Most of the items listed above, and several others, are included in Reference Information for MCBA’s Coaches and Officials, 2009-2010 Season.  Click HERE for the cover and click HERE for the content.  These are in “booklet” form, intended to be printed on both sides of the paper, folded and stapled (the pages appear out of order unless printed the way designed).  Head coaches received a copy at the time of team formation.

   

  These documents are available only in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF):

 

 Coaches’ Application Form – no matter when a person wishes to become an MCBA coach, he or she must complete and submit these three pages

 

 Player Registration Forms – We use a GIRL’S Form and a BOY’S Form to avoid mistakes (things happen!)

 “Block” a Team or Coach

 Scholarship Policy and Sample Form

 

 National Federation Instructions for Scorers and Timers

 National Federation Basketball Signals

 National Federation Basketball Uniforms Specifications

 National Federation 2009-10 Basketball Rules Changes

 National Federation 2009-10 Points of Emphasis

 National Federation Basketball Court Diagram

 National Federation Technical Foul Penalty Summary

 

To go along with the updated MCBA Player Participation Policy:

 

 Worksheet to help plan player substitution and playing time   Click HERE for a completed example

  

  If you have a question for MCBA, send us a note by clicking HERE and we will attempt to get you an answer.  Realize that responses are rarely immediate so, please, be patient.

 

  MCBA’s Board of Directors  Comments to individual officers/commissioners can be sent via e-mail links.

 

Comments about this web site are always welcome.  Send the “webmaster” a note by clicking HERE.

 

MCBA rents the facilities of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. 

The school district’s direct link to weather info is http://schoolctr.hebisd.edu/weather.

H-E-B ISD waives gym rental fees ($20 per player in recent seasons) for all “scholarship” recipients attending District schools (100 or so youth annually).

Unless specifically altered, the basketball rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) are followed.

Use this link to order the 2009-2010 Basketball Rules Book (provided free to new head coaches at the time of team formation in November).  [Item #: BKRB10; Retail Price: $7.20 plus shipping; now available.]

ALL coaches are certified through the National Association of Youth Sports (NAYS).

Use this link to find out about the Coaches Certification Program (NYSCA) (fees paid by the coach-candidate, not MCBA, once games began).

Dick’s Sporting Goods, in Northeast Mall, is a substantial Association Sponsor.

 

Get Adobe Reader Logo

Many of the forms/documents MCBA uses are available in PDF so that, no matter your computer system, they can be printed in a uniform way.  Click on the Get Adobe Reader icon for a free download.

 

 

Intente chascar en la bandera de España para una traducción al español.