2026 DES MOINES DEFENDERS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

EVENT DETAILS

• DATES: Friday & Saturday, November 20–21, 2026

• LOCATION: Prairie Trail Sports Complex | 2250 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

• FACILITY: Eight full-sized courts, elevated spectator viewing, and full concessions.

DIVISIONS & ELIGIBILITY

• Divisions: 18U Boys & Girls | 14U Boys & Girls

• 14U Age Limit: Players must not turn 15 prior to August 1, 2026.

• 18U Age Limit: Players must not turn 19 prior to August 1, 2026.

REGISTRATION & FEES

• 18U Entry: $300 per team

• 14U Entry: $250 per team

• Deposit: $100 non-refundable deposit due upon registration.

• Deadline: Remaining balance due by November 9. Registration opens July 1.

• Payment Methods:

  • Venmo: @John-Schuster-46

  • Mail: Des Moines Defenders, 3230 SW Coves Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

NEW: SKILLS SHOWCASE CONTESTS

Join us on Friday and Saturday for our mid-day skills competitions!

EVENT

Free Throw Contest

3-Point Shootout

Dunk Contest

Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

• Guaranteed Games: 3-game minimum.

• Bracket Size: Maximum 8 teams per bracket.

• Seeding: Based on a combination of record and strength of schedule; we strive for competitive balance and fresh matchups.

GAMEPLAY RULES

• Regulations: Rules follow IHSAA and NFHS standards.

• Game Length (18U): Four 8-minute quarters | 4-minute OT.

• Game Length (14U): Four 6-minute quarters | 3-minute OT.

• Ball Size: 28.5" for all Girls divisions and 14U Boys. 29.5" for 18U Boys.

• Clock Rules: 1-minute between quarters; 5-minute halftime. A running clock applies if a team leads by 30+ points in the 2nd half (stops only for timeouts).

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Home (Light): Provides game ball, official bookkeeper, and pre-game prayer.

• Visitor (Dark): Provides scoreboard operator and sweeps court at halftime.

• Rosters: Photos and rosters must be submitted by November 1.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Team Awards: Medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each bracket (Maximum 12 medals).

• All-Tournament Team: Selected via head coach votes (coaches may not vote for their own players). Announced following the final games.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

• Daily Admission: $10 (Individual)

• Weekend Pass: $15 (Individual) | $30 (Family)

• Children: Ages 5 and under are FREE.

CONTACT INFORMATION

John Schuster, Athletic Director

Phone: (515) 779-8797

Email: DesMoinesDefenders@gmail.com