Season Overview
Our recreational program for players in 6th - 8th grade was a new program during the 23/24 season within the Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball group. The season typically runs from November through March.   Our program is separate from the Lakeridge Middle School winter basketball program.

Our 6th-8th grade REC teams will compete in the South Metro league. The South Metro league includes teams from Lake Oswego, Canby, Sherwood, Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Milwaukie and Putnam. The season consists of 10 games plus a season-ending tournament.  

Players
This program is for 6th thru 8th grade boys and girls players who live within the Lakeridge Middle School boundary or attend Lakeridge Middle School. 

This league is for players who:

● Are not rostered to a gold or silver tournament team
● Need more time to grow/develop the skills to compete at higher levels
● Need more time to grow/develop into their athletic body
● Like basketball and are still developing their love of the game
● Want to focus on their skill development and individual player growth

Practices
Practices will be once a week starting in November. Due to lack of ample gym space, middle school grade teams may find themselves completing practice at 9:00 PM.

Team Placement
There are NO tryouts for the recreational league. However, there may be a skills evaluation or draft to determine the correct balance of players. 

Minimum Play Time During Season
There are minimum play time requirements. Individual player development is the core purpose of this program and for players to develop, they must have time in the game.  Therefore, coaches are expected to maintain minimum player playtime of no less than 50% of the game (2 quarters) for each game.  

These standards are intended for those players who the head coach observes as maintaining non-disruptive behavior and consistent game and practice attendance record. These standards apply for any game during a season (officiated or not) and any game during the year where Lakeridge Pacer jerseys are being worn. 

Player Equipment
All players are required to bring their own equipment to all practices and games.
  * Ball
          * 28.5" for girls
          * 28.5" for boys in grades 4-6
          * 29.5" for boys in grade 7-8

  * Basketball shoes
  * Water bottle

Jersey Fee

Players who played during the 23/24 season are able to use their jersey from last season.  New players will need to purchase a jersey.

Coaching
Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball recruits unpaid parent volunteers as coaches for our REC League. We also support the hiring of paid coaches at times. Paid coaches receive a stipend for the season and are selected by the Lakeridge Pacer Youth Board and/or Lakeridge High School Varsity staff members.  

All coaches, whether volunteer or paid, must complete a coaching application, background check authorization, sign a contract/code of conduct and complete mandatory coach training. All coach expenses related to required training are covered by Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball.