Q: Who can participate?
A: Boys and girls in grades 2–9. All levels of skill and experience are welcome.
Q: When does the league run?
A: November through February. Teams meet twice per week for either practices or games. The end of season tournament starts in mid-February.
Q: What is the focus?
A: Teaching and Learning the game of basketball. Players will learn fundamental skills, teamwork, and strategy in a fun and supportive environment.
Q: How are teams formed?
A: Our first six practices will be an evaluation period to help us create even teams. Players are placed on balanced teams by experience and ability to keep competition fair and enjoyable.
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Coaches are trained through the CBA curriculum with an emphasis on teaching the game the right way. We will have space for parent volunteer coaches to assist and help coach our younger age groups.
Q: What is the cost?
A: Fees cover uniforms, practices, games, referees, equipment, and facility costs. If cost is an issue for your family, please reach out to rciambotti@thecentrepa.com. We have a payment plan in place and can assist in helping families pay for the league.
Q: What is CBA Select?
A: CBA Select is the tryout based level of the Winter League. Players in grades 4-6 can sign up to try out for these teams. They will practice two times per week as well, but will compete regionally, and not as a part of the main developmental league. CBA Select Tryouts are completed for the year.
Q: How do I sign up for CBA Select Tryouts?
A: Check back next year for 2027 CBA Select Tryouts.
Q: If I try out for the CBA Select team, and I don’t make it, can I play in the developmental league?
A: Yes, tryouts for CBA Select 2026/2027 will be announced late summer. We will make our selections by November 1st and all players will receive an email with their roster spot. If you are not selected, you can still register for the developmental league.
Q: When does the season start?
A: Details for the 2026/27 season will be announced late summer.
Q: How many teams are in each division?
A: The league is capped at the following for each division:
- 2-3 grade – 6 teams
- 4-5 grade – 8 teams
- 6-7 grade – 10 teams
- 8-9 grade – 6 teams
Q: How many practices and games will each team have?
A: Each team will practice twice per week in November and December, and each team will play two games per week in January and February. We may have a few intermittent practice dates throughout the game season. All activities take place at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre.
Q: Where are the practices and games?
A: All events are held here at Nittany Valley Sports Centre. Teams will be assigned to a specific court for practices and gameplay. These assignments will be on your Daysmart calendars after teams are formed.
Q: How are teams selected?
A: Our staff and our coaches will have a two- to three-week Player Evaluation period for each division. Teams will then be selected to create competitive balance in the league.
Q: How do I get involved as a coach?
A: Email basketball@thecentrepa.com if you are interested in coaching a team this winter. We will be meeting as a coaching staff on Sunday, November 2nd, at 11:30am to prepare for the league and provide resources to help coaches who are newer or who would like some additional information.
Q: How many divisions will there be in the league?
A: There will be FOUR co-ed divisions, sorted roughly by grade: grades 2 & 3, grades 4 & 5, grades 6 & 7, and grades 8 & 9
Q: Can my child move up a division?
A: We will do our best to put every player where they belong to ensure the most appropriate development for each player.
Q: What are the days for practices and games?
A: Details will be announced late summer.
Q: Can we request to be on a team with friends?
A: Yes, we will do our best to meet requests. However, these are not guaranteed, as we want to keep competitive balance in the divisions. Requests will be documented during Player Evaluations
Q: What about uniforms?
A: All players will receive a reversible jersey to wear for practices and games! Jerseys will be handed out in December.
