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Home > Departments > Recreation and Parks > Programs > Sports & Leagues > Basketball

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About

Howard County Recreation & Parks offers basketball programs, camps, and leagues for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to adults. The HCRP Basketball Program is designed to help kids develop fundamental skills in a safe, organized environment. The goal is to provide a fun, positive experience so that kids are encouraged to continue with the sport. Programs focus on skill development through instruction, drills, and games with an emphasis on sportsmanship.

Core Values and Benefits

Different programs designed to fit your child’s age, skill, and experience level.
Certified coaches that have completed an ASEP (American Sport Education Program) coaching course, concussion training, and a background check.
Get an introduction to the game in a positive, GoodSports learning environment.
Equal Opportunity – All kids guaranteed to play ½ the game in the Youth Basketball League.
Competitive Balance – Teams formed based on scores from preseason skills assessment (9+ age groups).
HCRP facilities and HCPSS schools that are safe, clean, and easy to access.
Develop friendships through positive social interaction.
Self-esteem and character building.
Most importantly, have FUN!!

Read concussion and sudden cardiac arrest information. Review of this information is required by law before you are allowed to register for youth sports programs.

Concussion Information | Sudden Cardiac Information | League Refund Policy | Program Status / Inclement Weather Info

Volunteer Coach Opportunities

The Youth Basketball League (YBL) is looking for Volunteer Coaches to lead our young players through the next exciting season.

Parents, please take advantage of the Head Coach’s Child discount option and register in the appropriate section.

No player in the league, but want to give back to the sports? Please contact Carson Nickell at cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov for the 5-8 year old age groups or Matt Knoerlein at mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov to learn more.

To become an official Howard County Recreation and Parks Coach, coaches are REQUIRED to become a member of our Coaches Registry. Please CLICK HERE for more information about our Coaches Registry. Follow the instructions on this page in order to complete all of the necessary requirements. Please email all Coaches registry questions and/or concerns to coaches@howardcountymd.gov.

Click below to received updated emails about the youth basketball opportunities with Howard County Recreation and Parks!

Youth Basketball-Sign Up!

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Pre-K

Little Tykes Hoops Basketball (3-4 yrs)

In this class, having fun is sure to be a slam dunk! Children are introduced to beginner basketball concepts such as dribbling, passing and shooting through a curriculum of exciting and fun-filled games and activities. Parents are encouraged to follow the coach’s instructions to assist in the games and activities. Info: Amanda Bartell, 410-313-1694 or abartell@howardcountymd.gov.

CLICK HERE to view all of the preschool sports programs.

After-School

After-School Basketball (8-10 yrs)

School’s over and it’s time to play some basketball. In this once-a-week clinic, boys and girls learn and develop fundamental skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, defense and overall team play through activities and games. It is the perfect place to start or to complement one of our basketball leagues. Info: Amy Patton, 410-313-4718 or apatton@howardcountymd.gov.

Youth Program

Kiddie Basketball (5-7 yrs)

Learn basketball in this introductory clinic. Work on the fundamental skills of dribbling, passing, shooting, and overall team play in a fun and encouraging environment. This is the best place to start for beginners. Info: Amy Patton, 410-313-4718 or apatton@howardcountymd.gov.

Super Hoops Basketball Clinic (8-13 yrs)

Girls and boys, enjoy advancing your basic skills and fundamentals through various drills and exercises. Emphasis is on dribbling, passing, shooting, offensive and defensive positioning and teamwork. Basic basketball knowledge and some playing experience preferred. Bring a water bottle. Info: Mark Pendleton, 410-313-4703 or mpendleton@howardcountymd.gov.

YBL Summer Skills Clinic (5-14 yrs)

Boys and girls, come have fun playing basketball while learning the fundamentals of the game! While in a GoodSports learning environment, HCRP certified coaches will lead you twice a week through drills and activities to build key basketball skills. Coaches will emphasis ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork, and court awareness. Each week you will work on different techniques to increase your basketball knowledge and abilities through skill competition and scrimmages. Info (5-8 years old): Carson Nickell, 410-313-4720 or cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov. Info (9-14 years old): Matt Knoerlein, 410-313-1163 or mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov.

Basketball Skills Training (Fall & Spring) (14-18 yrs)
Enhance your basketball skills in this clinic! Join certified coaches as they instruct you on proper mechanics, footwork and conditioning. This clinic focuses on skill development and helping you advance your game to the next level. Info: Matt Knoerlein, 410-313-1163 or mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov.

The Instructional Basketball League is for boys and girls, age 6-10. It is perfect for participants of any skill level, and is designed to provide maximum instruction with an introduction to competition during game play. Players practices during the first 4 sessions and play games against other schools during the last 4 sessions. All activities take place on Saturday mornings. There are no weeknight practices with this league, and the coaches are trained, Howard County Coaches' Registry Certified, Recreation & Parks staff. Info: Pat McGinnis, 410-313-4716 or pmcginnis@howardcountymd.gov.

Youth League

Youth Basketball League
Come have fun playing basketball while learning the fundamentals of the game! Focus on skill development, sportsmanship, basketball knowledge, and fun! Enjoy a "GoodSports" atmosphere through certified volunteer coaches, league staff and facilities.

League features:

One weeknight practice
One game per week
Players guaranteed to play
All Skill Levels Welcome
Volunteer coaches needed

Games and practices are played at the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, North Laurel Community Center, and Roger Carter Community Center, or Howard County Public Schools.

Seasons of Play:

Fall (5-14 yrs)
Winter (5-14 yrs)
Spring (9-14 yrs)

To Register:

CLICK HERE for ages 5-8 years
CLICK HERE for ages 9-14 years

No special requests accepted.

For more information:
Carson Nickell (5-8 year old divisions), 410-313-4720 or cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov
Matt Knoerlein (9-14 year old divisions), 410-313-1163 or knoerlein@howardcountymd.gov

Youth Basketball League FAQs
Youth Basketball League Playing Rules

Schedules:

Playoff Brackets:

9/10 Co-Ed Division
9/11 Girls Division
11/12 Co-Ed Division
12/14 Girls Division
13/14 Co-Ed Division

Flickr for YBL - https://www.flickr.com/photos/hocorec/albums/72157649059725284

Youth Basketball League (YBL) - Alliance Division
Howard County Recreation & Parks accepts team applications for the Alliance Division of the Youth Basketball League (YBL) between September 1 - November 1. The Alliance Division attracts both girls' and boys' teams from the greater Howard County Area for winter league play. Teams play eight regular season games, starting in December, followed by a single-elimination tournament.

Team Divisions: 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Girls & Boys

League Features:

Howard County's premier facilities are conveniently located off either Rt. 29, I-95, or I-70
Certified officials
Trained Staff Scorekeepers
Facility staff
League administration
Website updates

Games are Friday nights at one of our facilities:
Meadowbrook Athletic Complex - 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicot City, MD 21043 (4 courts under one roof)
North Laurel Community Center - 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723
Gary J Arthur Community Center - 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723
Rogers Carter Community Center Center - 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicot City, MD 21043

To apply, please send a Team Application to rdubois@howardcountymd.gov. CLICK HERE for a Team Application.

For more information, please contact Ricky Dubois, 410-313-4719 or rdubois@howardcountymd.gov.

Youth Basketball League - Alliance Division Playing Rules

Schedules:

6th Grade Girls Division
7th Grade Girls Division
8th Grade Girls Division
6th Grade Boys Division
7th Grade Boys Division
8th Grade Boys Division

Standings

Playoff Brackets:

6th Grade Girls Division
7th Grade Girls Division
8th Grade Girls Division
6th Grade Boys Division
7th Grade Boys Division
8th Grade Boys Division

High School Basketball League

The High School Basketball League is offered each season. Both individual registration and team registration (summer and fall only) is available. Teams are encouraged to register as a school team. HCRP forms teams from individual registration. Info: Matt Knoerlein, 410-313-1163 or mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov.

Camp & Clinics

NEW! Derrick Lewis' Basketball School (9-14 yrs)

Join University of Maryland's All-ACC player and 16-year professional Derrick Lewis as he brings his exciting basketball experiences to Howard County! Coach Lewis has been fortunate enough to have played and coached basketball for more than 30 years (earning 2 Coach of the Year Awards in Baltimore/D.C. high school ranks). Coach Lewis and his staff pride themselves on the ability to teach basketball skills and fundamentals to young players. Visit www.derricklewisbasketball.com for more information on Coach Lewis' coaching and player experiences. Info: Patrick McGinnis, 410-313-4716 or pmcginnis@howardcountymd.gov.

Meadowbrook School’s Out Basketball Camp (9-14 yrs)

School is out and Meadowbrook is open for action! This camp has all the excitement of an entire season packed into one fun-filled day. Players, you improve your skills and make new friends while enjoying a high-energy basketball experience. Throughout the day, our skilled coaches take you through creative drills, challenging exercises, and exciting games and scrimmages to help elevate your game. Camp ends with the camp tournament and the crowning of a camp champion! Info: Greg Meyd, 410-313-1162 or gmeyd@howardcountymd.gov.

Basketball & Swim Camp (8-14 yrs)

Improve your basic and intermediate basketball skills in a positive and well-organized learning environment. Coaches use a variety of creative drills, challenging exercises, exciting games, and scrimmages. Special emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and teamwork. After playing on the court, cool off with a daily dip in the pool. Fee includes instruction, supervision, t-shirt and pool entrance. The week of July 17, you are bused from Cedar Lane Park to the pool and return to Cedar Lane Park by 2:30 PM. Extended swim option available; campers can then remain at the pool, but must be picked up no later than 5 PM from the pool. Info: Carson Nickell, 410-313-4720 or cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov.

Coach Deb's Basketball Camp (8-14 yrs)

No matter what your skill or experience level, take your game to the next level at this camp! Through a combination of skill development, games,team competitions and contests, Coach Deb Taylor and staff ensure that you have fun and improve your game. Fundamentals are stressed daily. Coach Deb has 14 years of high school varsity head coaching experience and is currently head coach at Reservoir HS. She led Archbishop Spalding to the prestigious IAAM A Conference Championship and a No. 1 ranking in 2002, in addition to being one of the top 15 programs in the Baltimore metro area throughout her coaching career. Many of Coach Deb's players have gone on to play in college and she has coached several league and county all-stars and two players of the year. Coach Deb played at the University of Vermont and was the all-time assists leader. Info: Patrick McGinnis, 410-313-4716 or pmcginnis@howardcountymd.gov. CLICK HERE to view pictures from the 2016 Summer Coach Deb's Basketball Camp!

HC Elite Basketball Camps (9-14 yrs)

Advance Skills Camps:

This camp is designed for the serious player trying to get to the next level and eventually play high school basketball. Most participants are travel or middle school players working to reach the next level. The focus is on developing and using advanced skills while helping you understand the skill set and attitude required to make it at the high school level. Info: www.hcelitebasketball.com or Camp Director Bill Napolitano, hcelitebasketball@gmail.com; or Patrick McGinnis, 410-313-4716 or pmcginnis@howardcountymd.gov.

Skills Training Camps:

This camp is designed for anyone who is trying to improve his or her individual skills, especially ball handling and shooting. HC Elite camps are known for their exceptional instruction. A variety of offensive skills are explained and demonstrated. Practice the skills and apply them in a variety of drills and games. You are put into groups by age and skill to ensure that you receive the appropriate level of instruction and attention. Info: www.hcelitebasketball.com or Camp Director Bill Napolitano,hcelitebasketball@gmail.com; or Patrick McGinnis, 410-313-4716 or pmcginnis@howardcountymd.gov.

Ultimate Basketball Camp (10-14 yrs)

In this full-day basketball experience, certified HCRP basketball coaches provide you with all the Youth Basketball League (YBL) has to offer in a one-week camp. Throughout the week, experienced coaches use a variety of creative drills, challenging exercises, exciting games, scrimmages and many other activities to help you elevate your game. Emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and teamwork. Learn, develop, and implement offensive and defensive skills; participate in competitions, games, and film sessions; and break into teams to play a mini-league schedule and end-of-camp tournament. Each day after fundamentals sessions, teams play league games. There is down time during lunch and video sessions. Bring a nonperishable lunch (no nut products) and a filled, reusable water bottle. Fee includes camp shirt. Info: Greg Meyd, 410-313-1162 or gmeyd@howardcountymd.gov.

Super Hoops Basketball (8-13 yrs)

We put the fun in FUNdamentals. Improve your basic or intermediate basketball skills in this camp. Coaches use a variety of creative drills, challenging exercises, exciting games, scrimmages and other activities to help you elevate your game. Special emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and teamwork. Make up first rain cancellation on Friday. Fee includes a t-shirt. Info: Mark Pendleton, 410-313-4703 or mpendleton@howardcountymd.gov.

Dribble, Pass, Shoot Winter Camp (9-14 yrs)
Enjoy either 1, 2, 3, or 4 full-days of the complete Youth Basketball League (YBL) experience through certified, HCRP basketball coaches. Learn, develop and implement offensive and defensive skills; participate in competitions and games; and break into teams to play a mini-league schedule and end-of-camp tournament. Experienced coaches use a variety of creative drills, challenging exercises, exciting games, scrimmages, and more to help elevate your game. Emphasis is played on sportsmanship and teamwork. Each day after fundamental sessions, teams play league games. There is down time during lunch. Info: Matt Knoerlein, 410-313-1163 or mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov.

To view a week-by-week breakdown of all summer camps offered through Howard County Recreation and Parks, visit our websites, www.howardcountymd.gov/campsbyweek.

Adult League

Adult Basketball League (18+ yrs)

Pull down some boards, tickle the twine or dish out some assists. Our goal is to place your team in a division of similar skills. All teams participate in postseason playoffs. Fee includes officials, staff, awards, equipment, facility rental and administration. Games are played at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, North Laurel Community Center and Roger Carter Community Center. Info: Mark Pendleton, 410-313-4703 or mpendleton@howardcountymd.gov.

CLICK HERE to visit our Adult Basketball League website for more information.

Adult 3v3 Basketball Tournament (18+ yrs)
This 3-on-3 tournament crowns a new champion in Howard County. Group stage plus elimination rounds, all games are officiated. Teams provide uniforms. Fee includes three-game minimum, referees, awards, and administration. Info: Carson Nickell, 410-313-4720 or cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov.

Drop-In

Co-Rec Drop-In
Join other athletes of all ability levels for basketball scrimmage. Choose the night and location that best works for you. Games are self-officiated and site staff help form balanced teams. Driver's license required for admission.

To view drop-in locations view the current Seasonal Guide. Note: Some gyms may canceled by the third meeting due to insufficient registration or attendance.
For more information: Susan Markovitz, 410-313-4674 or samarkovitz@howardcountymd.gov.
Get Active Package - For one low fee, this membership package gives you access to open gym hours at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex and drop-in basketball and/or volleyball at select school gyms. For more information: Matthew Knoerlein, 410-313-1163 or mknoerlein@howardcountymd.gov.