2016-17Viking Elite Boys’ Team and Tryout Information
The purpose of the Viking Elite Basketball Program is to develop the fundamental basketball skills of each individual player while teaching team concepts through quality coaching, practice sessions, and competitive games. The Viking Elite Basketball program is administered by the Viking Hoopsters' Booster Club, and is a progressive 3rd-8th grade feeder program for the Puyallup High School Boys Basketball Team. It is designed to build continuity and a family atmosphere among the entire Puyallup Viking Basketball community. The Viking Elite Basketball Program feeds into the Puyallup High School Boys Basketball program. This program is onlyavailable to boys that are currently attending one of the schools that feed into Puyallup High School or will be attending Puyallup High School in the future.
Viking Elite fields very competitive teams, who participate in various different leagues and tournaments.
The 3rd and 4th grade teams participate in local leagues, whilesome 4th graders, andthe 5-8th grade teams play in the ETL. The Eastside Travel League (ETL) is made up exclusively by teams that are competitive feeder programs for 18 different high school programs from around the state, including traditional powerhouse programs like Bellevue, Skyline, and Mercer Island. The season mirrors a traditional high school schedule in which teams play “home” and away games.
3rd and 4th Grade Tryout
- Each of the 3rd grade and 4th grade teams will not have any players cut from the program.
- The 3rd and 4th grade team tryout session will be run in orderto organize and place each player on the proper teams so that they can competitively enjoy the season. After the teams are formed we will enter the teams into leagues that will best fit their current level of basketball.
5th – 8th grade Tryout
- For each of the 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade levels, there is one team selected for each grade level. The teams will be selected from the tryouts.
The tryout dates and times are listed below:
At tryouts all players must be checked in with a parent present. A brief parent meeting will follow each tryout session.NO Fees are collected at the tryout.
If for some important reason your son is unable to attend the tryout / registration, you must contact one of the coaches below beforethe tryout / registration date to discuss the possibility of participating on a team. For more information on Viking Elite Basketball please visit our website at or contact one of the coaches below.
For questions – contact Coach Brandon Bakke at 253-988-1745 or email:
We look forward to seeing you in the gym.
Viking Elite Boys’ DirectorSee FAQ next page>
Viking Elite FAQ
Tryouts and Team Make-up
Question: My son is interested in playing on a Viking Elite team, how can he do that? Answer:In September/October of each year Viking Elite teams are formed for the year. Teams are created following a tryout session. Be sure to check the vikinghoops.org website in September for tryout information. Players are evaluated and teams are selected collectively by the Viking basketball coaches (between 10- 15 coaches).
Question: My son is not on a team yet, can my son do anything with the program? Answer: Yes, we have a 3 on 3 league each spring and fall (open to any boy K-6), summer camp each June. Most Viking Elite players participate in these developmental opportunities.
Question: Is it true that players must be attending Puyallup High School in the future? Answer: Yes. Viking Elite is a feeder program for the Puyallup High School Boy’s Basketball program.
Question: Is it true that Viking Elite cuts players? Answer: As a program we do not believe in cutting players, unfortunately because of costs and coaching resources and the nature of the competitive leagues that we pay in, it sometimes becomes necessary. Viking Elite does not cut players in the introductory 3rd and 4th grade levels. Depending on how many players tryout Viking Elite works to get as many coaches as we can to create as many teams as we can for these levels. However, starting in the 5th grade at times cuts are made due to the amount of players that try out, how many coaches are available, and how much gym time can be secured. We try to keep our teams at around 10-12 players.
Cost
Question: How much does it cost to play? Answer: For third grade it will cost around $150. For grades 4-8 it will cost between $250-500 depending on what team they are on, and if they already have a uniform. There may be some small additional tournament fees when teams play in tournaments outside of paid season.
Practices and Games
Question: How often does Viking Elite Practice? Answer: Usually two to three times a week, depending on time of the year and what team they are playing on (some teams practice once a week).
Question: When do practices begin? Answer: In November. The season will end in March, possibly April depending on the grade level and team. Some teams continue playing in the spring if there is enough interest and availability by players to continue to play.
Question: How many games will they play during the winter season? Answer: It depends on what team they are on. Our third grade teams will play between 10- 20 games (depending on what 3rd grade team they are on). Our fourth grade will play around 20-30 games. The 5th -8th grade teams will play between 30-50 games depending on the team.