The Mattawan Youth Basketball League will open registration (1st-6th grade) for Mattawan students only on Monday, October 20 through Wednesday, October 29. On Saturday, November 1st any remaining available slots will be open to any students regardless of school.
Registration for the 2025-2026 Mattawan (Michigan) Youth Basketball League . We typically fill all available positions so registering as soon as possible is recommended. We typically have 400 players, 56+ teams in 6 different age/gender groups. Please read below for relevent details regarding our program.
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Anticipated Leagues for 2025-2026 season (depending on numbers):
1st/2nd Grade Boys - 9 ft hoops - 28.5" ball - full court 3 on 3 on a modified court (teams limited to 6 players) (Players are not allowed to steal from dribbler)
1st/2nd Grade Girls - 9 ft hoops - 27.5" ball - full court 3 on 3 on a modified court (teams limited to 6 players) (Players are not allowed to steal from dribbler)
3rd/4th Grade Boys - 10 ft hoops -28.5" ball - full court 4 v 4, official court (teams limited to 8 players)
3rd/4th Grade Girls - 9.5 ft hoops -28.5" ball - full court 4 v 4, official court (teams limited to 8 players)
5th/6th Grade Boys - 10 ft hoops -28.5" ball - full court 4 v 4, official court (teams limited to 8 players)
5th/6th Grade Girls - 10 ft hoops -28.5" ball - full court 4 v 4, official court (teams limited to 8 players)
Games are typically Saturday morning starting between 8:30am and 2:00 pm with practices 1 night a week in the evening (on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday). 3rd-6th grade teams may practice as late as 7:45-8:45pm due to the limited gym space. Games and practices are held in Mattawan school gymnasiums. The season runs the first 7-8 weeks after winter break.
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Mattawan Youth Basketball League
Who: Boys and girls in grades 1-6. Boys and girls will be split into different divisions. We hope that our older more experienced players will still form teams to play at the Courthouse while supplementing that experience and enhancing their skills with our Mattawan Youth Basketball League.
When: Registration typically opens around October and we typically fill up within a week. Teams will be formed in December. Teams will practice 1 night/week for 1 hour and have a 1 hour game time slot on Saturday mornings. Games and practices will occur the week of January 5 through February 28 (7 weeks, no games on Feb. 14). Currently we have gym space reserved for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. 1st/2nd grade will have a 5:30-6:30 or 6:30-7:30 practice time slot. Students in 3rd grade and up may practice anywhere within the 5:30-8:30pm window. Practice day and times will be dependent on your coach.
Where: Currently we plan to have our practices in the MS, LES or EES gyms and games in the LES gym (1st/2nd grade) EES gym (3rd/4th girls) and HS (3rd-6th grade). We will run full court games on the side courts and lower hoops for 1st/2nd grade.
How: We will need volunteers to coach teams. We will have small teams and play 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 full court to provide kids more time with the ball in their hands. We had 400 players on 58 teams in 2024.
Why: To provide our community with a local and fun instructional program that generates excitement and increases the skill level of all participants.
Cost: $90 for the first family member and $70 for each additional family member.
FAQ:
1. Why not play 5 on 5?
We want kids to have the ball in their hands more and play in space. We also want our players and coaches to focus on skills and not practicing plays. Players need help learning how to "just play", not learning plays they will never use again.
2. When will my team practice?
This will depend on your coach, so we can't guarantee you a specific night of the week. We currently have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night gym space reserved. We will ask at registration if there is a day of the week you want to avoid. Teams and practices times are typically announced the third week of December.
3. Why not include Kindergarten?
By having smaller rosters we require a large number of hours for practice time. We don't currently have the time or space to add Kindergarten at this time.
4. Can we join the league as a team already formed?
No, we are looking to have competitively balanced teams. We also want our teams to emphasize skill development over running set plays.
If you still have questions, contact us at mattawanybl@gmail.com