National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships

DVD Update

2009-05-04T07:16:00.001-07:00

Quick Update

We had a slight delay in getting the DVDs reproduced as we had to get a copyright release from Media Com. We got the release last Thursday and sent the 3 DVDs to be duplicated on Friday. We should have final copies and shipped in two weeks.
We will send out a notice when they are shipped. If you still would like to order you can do so on the website http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/complete-dvd-collection
We also are working on clearing up a couple of other details this week, if you have something that you are waiting for please e-mail Kurt Talbott at k3t3@netzero.com as he is overseeing tying up the final details so we can change our efforts to next fall.

Changes for 2010

2009-03-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, it is hard to believe Nationals is over and next year is only 354 days away. My family has headed up the National Tournament for the last nine years. That is exactly half of the eighteen years the National Tournament has been in existence. To be honest I am not sure how we have made it this long, in the first nine years there were three different directors each holding the post for three years. This year we got a little glimpse of why directors where ready to pass the torch after three years.

On the way home Cheryl and I talked at length about the challenges and the extra stress of running the tournament in a new city. Obviously everything that had become routine in the last few years had to be reinvented. Working with 35 new facilities, new officiating groups, new convention center, new showcase and final facility, new media, new Convention and Visitors Bureau, new hotels and new local sponsors. Add to that, we had our most significant growth of HomeSchool teams in six years, added the Christian Educated Tournament and television coverage. All that to say it was a year that I found myself in a high D mode all week to make sure the end product was as good as expected.
The reviews on Springfield have been 100% positive (I mean 100%) and we are thrilled because there was a lot of prayer, blood, sweat and tears that went into that decision.

I know I am biased but I think the National Christian HomeSchool Tournament is the most amazing sporting event in the world. I am truly blessed that the programs and teams that have come for years have put their trust into my family's hands over the last nine years. I also am truly blessed to have a family that loves to serve the HomeSchool community. We have spent most of the time we have been awake since the tournament ended reviewing, discussing and planning for 2010. I want you to know that one of the things that makes the National Championship so awesome is the fact that so many of you share your ideas. We love to sit back with our planning boards and take your ideas and see how they fit into the big picture. I can promise you we truly listen and your ideas make a difference. I am not saying that we can implement them all, as many of the ideas reflect one team or programs perspective. That is fine the feedback still helps.

With the above in mind I need to announce a significant change in the 2010 Regional Tournaments. We will be moving a tournament and making a realignment of the southern regional tournaments. The Shreveport Regional will move to Houston, Texas (Feb 4-6). The realignment will be as follows:
Dallas/Ft Worth North Texas -- OKC
San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos - Houston
Louisiana -- Houston
Tennessee - Atlanta
Arkansas - OKC

This schedule should work well with the Texas State Tournament travel schedules and better balance the regions. We will be bring the regional pages on the website up to date over the next couple of days. Kurt Talbott will be overseeing the Regional Tournaments again in 2010 so if you have questions please feel free to contact him directly.

In the next few weeks as I travel I hope to be able to write to you concerning a number of issues that many of you have been asked about. Everything from the long range plans for the showcase, the program fundraising, the fall National Tournament weekend, to how the Christian Educated Championships fit it.

Championship and All-American Rings

Ring Fliers and Order Form is at www.homeschoolbasketball.com

Hooded Sweatshirts -- Sold Out (Med and XL)

We are now Sold Out of Adult Medium and Adult XL Hooded Sweatshirts. We have limited quantities of the other sizes and expect to sell out by this weekend. Soon we will have a huge t-shirt sale, so keep an eye on future e-mails.

Good Afternoon

2009-03-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are working hard to respond quickly to the many requests we are getting. We have a list of 15-20 items and we are assuming that if we get a question more than once that there are probably dozens of people who have the question. Therefore we are trying to set up systems and answer the questions in e-mails and on the blog so that everyone will have the info they need.

Coming soon (hopefully tomorrow) information on pictures from the award ceremony and showcase, Springfield Web TV, collecting medals and trophies.

Next year’s date – Is now on the home page of the website – March 15-20, 2010

Hotel Reservation – some of you loved your hotel and want to lock it up for next year before next November. Just fill out form on website and I am going to meet with the Springfield CVB and work something out.

Blog for comments about 2009 is now on line (link on home page). We welcome all comments we want to get better and value the input.

All-American Game DVD Sales – We now have on line DVD sales. I would like to see every family own a set of these DVD for two very important reasons:
1. This is a great item for memories and motivation. Everyone who was at the 2009 Nationals will at some point be disappointed if they don’t get one or more of these dvds.
2. It is a great way to support the showcase. The showcase cost almost $25,000 to put on. It truly is the highlight of the week and a great way to display the talent for fans, players and college coaches. This year we had scouts at Nationals from the following division 1 schools: Georgetown, Tennessee, South Florida, Miami, Oral Roberts, Missouri State, Arkansas Little Rock and Alabama. Plus there were dozens of scouts and college coaches form schools like Mid-America University, SE Missouri State, Crown Christian College, Barclay College, Pensacola, North Dakota, Pittsburg State, Drury College and SW LA. The showcase is a big part of getting the coaches to come to Nationals. If you like the Showcase and/or you like the fact that more college scouts watched more HomeSchool players play basketball than ever before, then support the Showcase by buying a DVD or the whole collection. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store

Hooded Sweatshirt Blow Out – We get more requests from players and families that did not get a chance to buy their hooded sweatshirt than any other item. So this morning we separated out remaining hooded sweatshirts and have put them into a package so we can get rid of them all before we put them away until next year. We have limited quantities so if you want a sweat shirt don’t delay.
www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store

In the Books

2009-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I want to get a quick note out to say thank your participation in what was seemed to be the most successful tournament so far. I do plan to write a series of letters reviewing things from this year and seeking input for next year. I hope to start those letters next week as we review one area each week for the next 6-8 weeks. In the meantime I will be responding to a couple of items that I am getting question about.

One quick comment on the t-shirt - there was some concern that we left the "Christian" off the shirt. We did have a cross and a Bible, so there was no intention to leave "Christian" out even though we didn't have the word Christian on the shirt.

2010 Hotel Reservations - the hotels are all blocked for 2010 as they were this year. However, the hotel association decided that in order for teams to be able to be accurate in blocking the right amount of rooms they are going to begin accepting reservations until mid November. We will notify you when the block is available to register.

T-shirts - If you failed to pick-up your prepaid t-shirts let me know so that we can pull them aside for you. We will have a huge t-shirt sale later this week before we put the left overs in storage.

Final Brackets should be updated in the next 24-48 hours.

A Family Matter - we have a blog on the website that we allowed comments on. I do not have the ability to edit comments (you will notice in my post numerous spelling errors that I can't fix), there have been some comments are unnecessary, if they continue I will have to just close the blog down so please be careful what you write.

I think that covers all the ones that I have had more than 5 questions about.

Brackets, Registration and Weather

2009-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Registration links are set up please go to web page and read through the registration process. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registration

Weather Report
M-Thur mid 70’s
Fr-Sat mid 60’s

Team USAs have been formed. That information will be available at registration. The following ages are full B16, B18, B14 (we will start a waiting list in case someone doesn’t show up) -- We desperately need G12 and have openings in the rest. If you’re coming to town and not playing on a team, why not play, will have a great time.

Brackets are being posted tonight hopefully all done before we go to bed. Link on the home page at top of page 2009 brackets.

Latest Information

2009-03-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Just arrived in Springfield, here is a quick update.

The Oasis is now called Ramada – there has been a name change of the host property, so look for the Ramada sign on Glenstone.

With the move to Springfield we are looking to replace some volunteers. The last few years we had a number of families whose kids had graduate continue to help. Obviously they will not travel to Springfield without kids playing. We have had a good response from Springfield families but the many hands make light work. Here is what we need:

1. Two to help with Coaches’ Registration from 10:00-2:30 and 2 from 4:00-9:00
2. One for Team USA Registration (same hours as above).
3. Two to help set up All-American Award Ceremony Noon-2:00
4. Two or three to help with data input for the awards ceremony.

Change -- This year we will have all the seniors march in behind their team banner. Great idea -- a special thank you to Maria Morrow from SATCH.

So many exciting things happening here, I would love to take time to tell you about but I have to get up early and to go to radio station for an interview (I will be talking about you)and I am behind schedule. If you’re waiting for the following:

1. T-shirt Posting
2. Team USA Rosters
3. Final Main Brackets
4. A response about be a Nationals Blogger

Hang in there we will get them done.

Almost Final Brackets

2009-03-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Almost Final Seeding Brackets are now posted. Let me explain what we mean by almost final, we have made all the changes that we plan to make. Of course this is assuming that we didn’t make a mistake when we made the last 57 changes that we just posted. We made changes were we had two boys and girls varsity teams playing at the same time Monday, where we had incomplete seeding information or if we just plain messed up. At this point the only changes we will make are if we made an error when made the changes. If you see an error please contact us. When we get to Springfield tomorrow night we will double check all the game times against the master gym schedule and if it is all good we will mark the seeding brackets final.

Main Brackets are done but I need to go through them one more time before we post them.

Blogging plans – I really want to find 5-10 people that will be in Springfield watching games that would be willing to blog about the different games the watch. I really think this would be very cool and add a lot and the kids will eat it up. I have proven that grammatical standards are not crucial and I will hold you to the same low standard that I am held to. Contact me let’s do it.

Team USA – We will have teams divided by the time registration opens and yes if you requested to be on a team with another player you will be and if you requested to coach you will be.

Information Center - I have started updating the website on the front page we have a section that says key links. So far I have:
1) Gym and Hotel Maps
2) Seeding Brackets
3) Schedule (the Saturday Schedule was revised slightly)
4) Hopefully we will have a tournament blog link.
5) If you can think of something everyone needs to have easy access to send me an e-mail.

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com

T-shirts are in – They look GREAT. We will have a lot more information on t-shirts and pick up soon.

Practice gyms for Monday -- The Courts E-Zone will be open on Monday for practice time. You will need to schedule your time and pay them directly. The contact is Chris or Shane their number is 417-831-3333

That’s all for now,

Updates

2009-03-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Seeding Brackets – All of the seeding brackets are posted, only the B10, G10, B12, G12, B18D-1 and G18D-1 are close to final we hope to make them final with 24 hours (we will make an official announcement when they are final). The other divisions are still wide open and there are a lot of changes being made. Save a tree, don’t print them yet. Click Here To See Brackets

Note to Coaches – please feel free to make requests for changes, we do what we can. Keep in mind we do random brackets, so we don’t check to see of you have your boys varsity and girls varsity playing at the same time on Monday – if we do will change it if you let us know. We cannot do the same for Tuesday’s games as there are only so many time slots and programs with a four or more time slots will overlap.

Notes to parents – we know many of you have numerous children playing in the tournament. Our goal is to make sure the varsity teams do not overlap with your other teams before Friday. If you have a lot of kids in the 10-16 age groups, you will have a conflict that is just the fact. One positive note is when I was doing it with four boys in those ages we were driving around San Antonio for Nationals and that was often forty-five minutes of traffic and driving between games, Springfield is a much friendlier town to get around.

Players Names Missing – We have had a couple of dozen players who have registered not appear on the post on the website, we are sorry about that and not really sure what happened. If you were on the first posting but not the second or if you have a receipt and are not on the list – don’t panic you are all set.
What to bring to Nationals – we recommend that you bring your confirmation for your t-shirts or player registration fee if you have them.

Water bottles – We received a phone call today from the company we ordered the water bottles from. They informed us that our guaranteed delivery date (tomorrow) would not be met and that we would not have the water bottles until after Nationals. Needless to say we canceled the order and we will not have water bottles. If you purchased a water bottle we will give you a refund. If you were to receive a free water bottle please accept our sincere apology as this was beyond our control. If you are really upset about this I would like to make a suggestion:
Do – please send me a letter
Do NOT – give our volunteer staff a piece of your mind because:
1. They are not responsible for this error
2. They cannot help you (none of them make water bottles)
3. It is a long week and you might need that piece of mind later in the week

Team USA 16U Players need to be at the Team USA Meeting at 4:45 on Monday.

Brackets and Updates

2009-03-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

We are ahead of the schedule I announced last night, all D1 seeding brackets are posted, we should get D2 done tomorrow. The main brackets have been finished and have to be checked one more time but could be up by tomorrow as well.
Please check the brackets and make sure we haven’t matched you up with someone you have played four times this year. We will keep making adjustments for the next few days and then go final. Click Here

T-shirt Pick and Voucher Up
If you paid for a t-shirt or player registration on line, you received a notice from Google Checkout that said your item is being shipped. This is a standard form that goes out, we do not ship anything. When you arrive at Nationals you will go to one of five stations:
1. T-shirt Pick Up – this means that you paid for your player registration, ordered you t-shirt on line and either your voucher covered the cost of your t-shirt or you upgraded and paid the balance.
2. T-shirt Pick Up with balance due – this is the same as number one except you didn’t pay the balance for the t-shirts.
3. Voucher Pick Up – this is for players that paid player registration fee but did not order t-shirts (this prevents people from leaving vouchers at home).
4. Player Registration – this is for players that have not played for their player registration.
5. Station 5 – two days ago I had a station but right now I can’t remember it but I am sure it will come back to me and I will post it later.

The plan is to post on line the names of players that will go to each station on Saturday that way you will know where to go and if we have you in the wrong category we can try to clear it up before via e-mail before you arrive.

7 Days and Counting

2009-03-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Just seven days left until the 18th Annual National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament tips off. We are really excited about the opening day activities.
In this email I am going to release the preliminary first round
match-ups but first I would like to point out what is sure to be a
very exciting opening day. Here is what will be taking place Monday
March 16th at Baptist Bible College (Gym)*

2:15 pm All-American Award Ceremony

We will be handing out 1st 2nd and 3rd Team All-American Awards

3:00 pm Girl's Tip-off /Ceremony at Baptist Bible College (Gym)

The Mayor of Springfield and virtually the entire Springfield news
media will be there as Tabar Spani leads the 2009 Omaha Regional
Champion Kansas City Metro Mavs against the San Antonio FEAST
Patriots. Tabar was just selected as a McDonald’s All-American, she
is the first HomeSchool player to ever receive this honor which is
awarded to the top 24 high school seniors each year.

4:30 pm Boy's Tip-off at Baptist Bible College (Gym)

John Caleb Sanders last year’s Maravich award winner will lead HCYA
Warriors; the two time defending National Champions against the
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles. In a very unusual twist this is a first
round match-up of last year’s National Championship game. Landmark
graduated all of their contributors and looked to have a rebuilding
year, but Coach Tom Head led the team to a 7th place Cincinnati
Regional finish and set up this compelling match up.

5:50 Game features the 2008 National Champions and 2009 OKC Regional
Champion THEASA Riders feature 2008 1st team All-American Anna Parish
as well as one of the top freshman High School players in the country.
Be ready to see some jaw dropping moves by Moriah Jefferson. As THESA
draws the Manhattan CHIEF in their first round match-up.

7:00 Game features the 2009 OKC Regional Champion when the Oklahoma City Storm takes on California’s Christian Heritage Academy. The Storm has
spent the entire year in the top three of the MaxPreps rankings and
returns four All-American from the 2008 3rd place finisher.

8:15 Game features the Cincinnati Regional Champions when Indianapolis Wildcats make their first appearance at Nationals. Indy has been in
the top 4 of the MaxPreps all season. All-American Adrian Hood will
lead the Wildcats against sharp shooter Ben Mies and the Memphis FCA
Nighthawks.

9:30 Game features NCEBC #1 Seed Central Park Christian School from
Birmingham, Alabama. If you want to see some top level basketball,
don’t miss this game. They have it all: They have size (if you
consider 7 guys from 6 8’ to 7 foot big). Athleticism – last time I
coached against them five years ago they had 14 dunks but I think that
is overrated because Marco Killingworth had 8 of them. This year they
feature 6’6 swingman and Alabama Signee Tony Mitchell and 6’10
wing/post Will Neighbour who has signed with the University of
Arkansas/Little Rock. This year they are relatively young.

For more schedule details go to
http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/seeding-brackets

Team USA – we have a record number of Team USA players this year. We still have openings in all age groups but we really need 3-4 more Boys
10 and Boys 12 to fill up those teams.

Did you see the All-American List

2009-03-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

We added three more gyms to make the schedule a little more manageable, we have posted the new map on the home page of the web site http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com

Team Hotel we have a great hotel at $89.00 per night with a $20 rebate so a net of $69.00 that we would like to put a team in to fill that hotel up. Contact me if you are interested.

Updated Player Registration

I would guess we have about 250 players that have not registered; coaches keep checking the list as it is your responsibility to make sure all your players have registered before they arrive in Springfield. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registered-players

T-Shirt Pre-orders are over. We have listed everyone that we have received an order from so you can double check if you did not get an e-mail confirmation. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/t-shirts

All-Americans --- we just completed compiling the All-American ballots from the four completed regional tournaments and the winners are ……… Http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/AA

Top Ten Things You Need to Know

2009-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

…… To make sure that your Nationals Experience is awesome.

1. Banners – During the opening ceremony each program is permitted to participate in the flag march. Each state flag will enter the arena and two representatives from each program will follow carrying a program/team banner. Please make sure you have a nice banner.

2. Seeding – check out the seeding information to see where your team is fitting in -- we still have to seed Christian Educated and division 2 for boys and girls varsity. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/seeding-process

3. T-shirt Pre-Order – Two more days to pre-order the t-shirts. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/t-shirts

4. Anonymous e-mails – If you have a complaint about another team or about something with Nationals, please feel free to send us an e-mail we are very interested in different perspectives. However, please be advised that we discard anonymous e-mails. The Nationals policy is simple if the complaint isn’t important enough for you to put your name on it, it isn’t important enough for our staff to read.

5. Hotel Rooms Available – we have a couple of hotels that we need to filled up. We have a special rate if you’re looking for a room, send me an e-mail.

To be continued ………

Seeding, Teams and Player Registration

2009-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

We have posted a lot of new information to the website here is an overview:

Teams - please double check and make sure your team is listed - we have had to adjusted for 10-12 cancellations and some new teams coming in and we want to make sure it is accurate, you are our best check and balance. http://homeschoolbasketball.com/registered-teams

Player Registration - we are at 2600 so still 400-600 stragglers to get in within the next week, please double check and make sure all your team mates are registered. http://homeschoolbasketball.com/registered-players

Seeding - each year we go through an agonizing process called seeding, there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Trust me Washington lobbyist have nothing on some of our coaches. It is all good our seeding committee has thick skin and plus they are really good at what they do.

Last year they seeded the boy's varsity 1-4 in the order they finished and the girl's varsity 1-5 in order, very impressive. Any way we are going to actually post the process on line to make it easier for coaches, players this area is not for you unless of course your curious than go ahead and look but please leave all the complaining to the coaches that is what they get paid the big money to do.

http://homeschoolbasketball.com/seeding-process

Three Updates On March 1st

2009-03-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Team USA
We will have a record number of Team USAs this year if you are attending Nationals with a brother or sister and your team is not coming, check out Team USA it is awesome. Click Here

Win a Full Year College Scholarship at Nationals

I am happy to announce an exciting promotion at nationals this year sponsored by The Homeschool Nation. During halftime of the boys 18 and under championship game, 1 contestant will win the chance to shoot a half-court shot for 1 full year’s tuition to any college profiled on HSNATION.com . To be entered, just fill out the registration form at this link - www.HSNATION.com/nchbc -

Everyone who registers will also receive a free copy of the 2009 HSNATION.com college preparation book for homeschoolers. Register today and GOOD LUCK!!

If you have any questions about the contest, contact Luke McDonald by phone or email.

(405) 701-4008

LUKE@LMPPUBLISHING.com

T-shirts

We are planning to take t-shirt orders until March 5th. I hope that you will all take time to pre-order your t-shirts even if you plan to pay when you arrive. Here are a few questions that we are getting about t-shirts.

Question: I registered my two kids but have not received my vouchers what do I need to do? 1. You can pre-order your t-shirts and program on line by giving the name of the player you want to redeem the vouchers.
2. You can pick up vouchers at Nationals.
This year we are not mailing vouchers, this way no one will forget them at home this year.

Question: I tried to order t-shirts - I think my order went through, but it did not give me the opportunity to pay for the 2 extra shirts what should I do?
You will be sent a Google invoice and that is when you pay if you have not received your Invoice by 3/7 please e-mail us.

Question: Does the t-shirt come with the $30 registration (which I did online already) or is it another $15.00?
Each player gets a program and a $15.00 voucher which can be used toward any item. If you choose a t-shirt then it is paid in full.

Question: When do we pick up t-shirts?
All t-shirts and programs must be picked up by noon on Tuesday (no exceptions).

Important T-Shirt Information

2009-02-26T00:54:00.000-08:00

T-Shirt Pre-Orders

I would like to emphasis the importance of preordering your t-shirts, long sleeve Ts, and hooded sweat shirts. On a scale of 1-10, this is a 9+ only making sure every player is registered is more important (BTW on Monday we will list a new player registered list). Trust me, Regionals start tomorrow and I have an early morning meeting if this wasn’t really, really important I wouldn’t be writing to you at 3:00 AM

This year we have two major changes in our t-shirt sales:
1) There will be no reorders – when we run out of a size, we are out.
2) Due to some regulations at Missouri State we will not be selling items on Wednesday night or Saturday. As a result we will be ordering less to make sure we do not have left over items.

I want to ask everyone to please order their items on line ASAP. I have already placed our order for the t-shirts and anticipate selling out of a number of sizes and colors before we open for business on the 16th. The most important items to order in advance are:

Hooded Sweatshirts and the ¾ sleeve baseball shirts as these are the smallest quantities.

If you placed an order and are waiting to be build send me an e-mail as we will be working on catching these up next week.

Remember even if you are just using a voucher for a t-shirt and no money is due; please order we will run out of some sizes and colors.

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/t-shirts

National's Update 2-23-09

2009-02-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hang on; the updates will be coming fast and furious. Let’s make a deal, I will promise not to write things that are not crucial to you enjoying the National’s experience and you agree to read whatever I write, sound reasonable?

Teams
We have updated the Master Team list – it looks like we are going to have more teams then we thought (yes we are scrambling to get enough gym space) It looks like 356 teams. Please check out the list and make sure your team is listed. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registered-teams

New Teams
We have the following openings:
Girls 10U, Boys 14U, G16u, B16U, G18U, and B18U have 1-2 openings each. We have a waiting list on the other age divisions please call Kurt Talbott if you would like to add a team 1-417-880-4875.

Monday Schedule Released
Click Here

Player List Posted
Every player must register by 3/1 we have posted a list of all players registered please check and make sure you and all your teammates are registered.
http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com /registered-players

Brackets
Will be published sometime on 3/12

Regional Results from Atlanta http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/atlanta-ga

Team USA
We will accept all Team USA registrations until March 1st and then it will start closing off age groups as they fill up.

Latest Nationals Update

2009-02-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Rosters – we have almost 250 of the rosters submitted – we really need the rest players and parents please see if your team roster and photos are done. If not please talk with your coach, no one will like it if they are left out. See if your team is listed

Player Registration – we have almost 2500 players registered – 600-800 to go. We are hoping to pick up half of those this week, and then we will post a list of registered players on Feb 20th for all of you to double check.

T-shirts - design is now posted on line. Remember orders placed and paid for by 2/20 receive a free “2009 Basketball Nationals” water bottle. Design

Regional T-shirts – Teams need to place orders by Tuesday 2/17/09 (accept Atlanta we need those orders today). To Order

Team Registration – we have had an overwhelming response since we announced the cutoff of team registration. So we are going to leave open registration for teams until 2/21 and then we will start filling up age divisions and cutting off registration. Look at the new registration just since 2/8 Click Here

Dunk/3 Point Contest – we are still working on the details for this year’s 3 point shooting and slam dunk contest. Details will be announced in early March. Registration for tryouts will be at Nationals.

33 Days to Go

2009-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Important Update

Feb 13th deadline on hotel online reservations –

Team Registration -- This year we are planning on 342 teams for the National Tournament. If we hit that number it will be a significant increase over last year’s record 304 teams. We are very careful to make sure that we take the right amount of teams in each age group for bracketing purposes. Below is a current list of openings:

Girls 10U – Full waiting list –
Boys 10U – 4 openings
Girls 12U – 2 openings
Boys 12U – 2 openings
Girls 14U – 2 openings
Boys 14U – 6 openings
Girls 16U – 1 opening
Boys 16U – 1 opening
Girls 18U – 3 openings
Boys 18U – 9 openings

Note we had 10 teams register yesterday and the above list and website do not reflect those registrations. Complete team list

URGENT

Will your team have your roster and picture in the program? Check out the the list of teams that have turned in their rosters and pictures – any team that has their information in by 2/16 is guaranteed to be in the program -- Check Here

Player Registration Reminder – All players must register on line this year (the registration fee may be paid when you arrive at Nationals but you must register on line). Click Here

Results from Region Tournament held in Cincinnati Ohio last weekend

Deadlines and Information

2009-02-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned in the past the Nationals operating budget runs at a $30,000 deficit after team and player registration fees. The difference is made up by our sponsors. We truly appreciate our sponsors and plan to highlight each from time to time.

Fund-It has a unique opportunity for HomeSchool families' that I would like to recommend all of you take a minute to check out. Click Here

Major Sponsors

National Tournament - Springfield Sports Commission
The Show Case - Incredible Pizza
Television -- Fund-It
Championship Saturday -- sponsor will be announced next week

Rosters and Team Pictures for the program are due Feb 16th
Here is where you submit photos, roster and or check your teams status.
Click Here

New Team List -- Click Here
Please check it out and make sure your team is listed properly.

Rankings - We have expanded the boys power rankings to 16 teams on the boys side Click Here to View

Hotel deadline approaching - The hotel rates are guaranteed through the middle of February after that date the hotels have the right to increase room fees on all rooms that have not been booked. Please make your reservation immediately if you have not already done so. Click Here for Link

Latest News From Nationals

2009-01-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Regional and National Tournaments are quickly approaching. There are a number of things that I would like bring to your attention:

1) New Registered Team List for Nationals is posted – all I will say is WOW. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registered-teams

2) Regional T-shirt Preorder From On-Line –logo on line www.homeschoolbasketball.com/regional-t-shirts

3) Nationals T-Shirt order From On-Line – We need everyone to place order on ASAP. We are behind in processing but we will get caught up soon. We are currently on our fourth revision of the artwork and should post it final artwork by the end of the week. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/T-shirts

4) Look a new number one in boy’s rankings www.homeschoolbasketball.com/rankings-boys-power-poll -- Girls updated as well.

5) Schedule for Nationals:
Varsity start Monday must be in town by 2:30
Everyone else starts Tuesday Morning
Coaches Meeting are Mandatory and will be at Monday 2:30 Varsity, 9:00 PM all others.

Nominations, Rosters and Regionals

2009-01-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Regional Tournaments

The 5 NCHBC Regional Tournaments are beginning to fill up. Here are the openings:
Region 2 (Shreveport) Openings:
Varsity Boys: 2 openings
Varsity Girls: 1 opening
Regions 3 (Oklahoma City) Openings:
Varsity Boys: Full with Waiting List
Varsity Girls: 2 openings
Region 4 (Omaha) Openings:
Varsity Boys: Full with Waiting List
Varsity Girls: 3 openings
Region 5 (Atlanta) Openings:
Varsity Boys: 2 openings
Varsity Girls: 3 openings

If you have not paid yet you have until January 31st 2009 for us to have received your payment. After January 31st if your payment has not been received then we will no longer hold your teams spot. Please mail payments to Kurt Talbott 9777 N. Council Road Apt 4111, Oklahoma City, OK 73162. Checks made payable to NCHBC.

All-American and All-Region Nominations
All Varsity Coaches will need to complete the end of the year All Region and All American Nominations by 1/31. The forms are on line at http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/all-region-nomination-form The password is on the coaches blog

Rosters and Photos
We are now accepting team pictures and rosters – go to http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/team-rosters-and-photos for more information

Up Date Power Polls and T-shirts

2009-01-12T11:14:00.001-08:00

T-shirts

You may begin placing orders for Nationals T-shirts on line. There are two reasons for pre-ordering:
1. This will guarantee size and color you want (this year we will order very close to the preorder number and if you don’t preorder it is likely you will not be able to get your first choice).
2. FREE water bottle – preorders will receive a Nationals 2009 water bottle (details on website).
www.homeschoolbasketball.com/t-shirts

Girl's Power Rankings

We know that there are teams that are not current in the system (like Metro Academy) but we are going to publish what is there each week and encourage all teams to get current. For girl's rankings as of 1/8/09 click here http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/rankings-girls-power-poll

MaxPrep Boys Rankings Released

With victories over two top 20 6A public schools last weekend OKC Storm moved into the top 20 in Oklahoma and to the number 1 homeschool spot on MaxPrep.
North Atlanta debuts at #3. Tulsa NOAH, OKC Knights, Memphis Eagles and Austin Royals make their first appearance in the top ten.

www.homeschoolbasketball.com/rankings-boys-power-poll

If your team was overlooked or you have recently updated your MaxPrep info and it moves you up please send a message to us through the Contact Us form on the website.

48 Hours, 78 Days

2009-01-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe Nationals is just 78 days away, we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Springfield. If you haven't already completed your player registration you have 48 hours to get the early registration discount. Please make sure to spread the word at practice Monday. Here is the link to register

Family Fundraising

We have posted the family fundraising program on line. This is really a very easy and profitable program. Our goal is to help 100 families raise $60,000-$100,000 to help them attend Nationals this year. For more information

National's Update

2008-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

#1 Player Registration Discount
I had planned to send this letter last week to give everyone a one week warning on the early registration discount but in the midst of holiday travel just didn’t get it done. As a result we will extend the deadline for the early registration discount until Monday January 5th – if you pay on line the discount expires at midnight, or if you mail a check it must be postmarked on the 5th. Link
#2 Team Registrations
It continues to look like we will set a record for teams this year as we have gone over the 200 team mark in record time. Look who has registered and if your team is not registered encourage your coach to register as we will start filling up age groups within the next 30-45 days. Link

#3 Family Fundraising
The economy is putting financial strain on quite a few families. The fundraising program that is in place can be used for families to earn $500-2000 to attend nationals for more information. Fill out the contact us on the website.

#4 Hardship Exemptions
I want to clarify that our goal in the hardships is only to put controls in place not to limit players. We have had a lot of hardship exemption request for players that attend co-op three days a week but are still 51% homeschooled and this is not a problem.

#5 Team USA
Registration is now open for Team USA.

New Power Poll

2008-12-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Girls Power Rankings – a tie at the top

Player Registration -- Player Registration is now available online. There is an early registration deadline that ends on December 31st

Fund Raising – You can sell your page in the Nationals Program

We have been working with a number of teams to revise the fund raising program. The program has two primary focuses:

1) It gives a team the opportunity to have full page spreads in the program verses the standard 4 teams per page.
2) It gives a team the opportunity to raise money for their team.

Every program should take a moment to review this tremendous opportunity.

December Update

2008-12-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

National's History

History - we are compiling a complete history of the Homeschool Basketball Nationals for publication in the Showcase. We have posted all the information that we have, the information is not complete and there may even be mistakes. Please help us if you see something that is in accurate.

Two Writer's Found -- Five More Needed

Writers - this year we will be doing a special program/magazine called The Showcase. The program will include All-American information and history about past national tournaments. We are looking for a number of people who would be willing to a take writing assignment, research and write an article for The Showcase. It is our goal to gather and preserve the history of Nationals through The Showcase over the next 5-7 years. If you're interested in writing or editing please contact us through the website.

Bloggers - we would like to have 4-5 people write a blog during the National Tournament. It would be best to have people who are not attached to one team for this project so they can watch and write about 4-6 games per day. We really want to enhance the interaction for people at home as well as having write ups on 25-35 games each day. This will be great if we can find bloggers, I would love to see a bunch of graduates do this. Conact at above e-mail address.

All-American Nominations from Tip Off

Trio Added

Based on their performance at Tip Off three players have been added to the All-American Nomination list:

Nashville Warriors -- Callum Sears
OKC Storm -- Sean Corser
Derby Invasion -- Kyle Barger

For a complete list of All-American Candidates

Regionals Update

Check out who is coming
Take a minute to see which programs are coming to a Regional Tournament. If you are hoping to be selected to the All-Region or All-American teams this year Regionals is a must. As a matter of fact based on the voting process if your team doesn't play at least 10 teams from your region during the year and you don't attend your Regional Tournament you should not expect to get enough votes to be selected to the All-American team. Link to Website

All-Region Nominations

The Nationals Web Site has been updated to include All-Region Nominations and a full explanation of the selection process. If your team doesn't have any nominations you might want to mention it to your coach.

More Updates

2008-12-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Boy's Power Rankings Released

The NCHBC has released the December boy's power rankings. This is the last boy's power ranking of the year, starting in January the rankings will be done through a coaches' poll. Link

Girl's Power Rankings -- Dec 15

Championship and All-American Rings

We have received many requests about the possibility of buys rings for previous years. We have worked the the manufacture to make the rings available for -- Championship Rings (all previous years) and All-American Rings (from 2008) are available the link is on the front page of www.homschoolbasketball.com

Hardship Exemptions

We have completed to update and explanation of the Hardship Exemption. To read all about it go to http://homeschoolbasketball.publishpath.com/player-registration

Writers and Bloggers Needed

Nationals is looking for writers and bloggers for two projects:

Writers – this year we will be doing a special program/magazine called The Showcase. The program will include All-American information and history about past national tournaments. We are looking for a number of people who would be willing to a take writing assignment, research and write an article for The Showcase. It is our goal to gather and preserve the history of Nationals through The Showcase over the next 5-7 years. If you’re interested in writing or editing please contact us through the website contact form.

Bloggers – we would like to have 4-5 people write a blog during the National Tournament. It would be best to have people who are not attached to one team for this project so they can watch and write about 4-6 games per day. We really want to enhance the interaction for people at home as well as having write ups on 25-35 games each day. This will be great if we can find bloggers, I would love to see a bunch of graduates do this.

Special Thank You

The response that we have received from yesterday's announcement has been 100% positive and we really appreciate the spirit of cooperation. We do realize that there will be questions and concerns and we welcome all comments as we strive to make Nationals an even more amazing experience for all.

National's Announcement

2008-12-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed my relationship with the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament since 1996. Since 2000 I have had the privilege of being the Executive Director, and during that time I have had a front seat view of what is taking place in homeschool sports. I have witnessed significant changes in the landscape of homeschooling in general, I have watched as other tournaments and programs have failed due to the lack of leadership and foresight, and I have watched as others have tried to build tournaments in other sports with limited success.

Each year I have met with our board and shared new ideas and concepts that I believe are key to staying on the cutting edge. I am thankful to the Nationals board for allowing me to continue to push the envelope and yet keep me in check.

It is time for me to share with you the most significant move that we have made during our nine years at the helm. First, let me say that I am sure that this is something that many will think is absolutely amazing and some will think it proof that I really am crazier than they thought. However, I would like you to read this all the way through and then I will welcome any and all comments.

Premise #1

Over the last decade three significant things have taken place that have had an influence on our decision:
1. Homeschooling has changed significantly; ten years ago there were virtually no co-ops and/or university model schools.
2. More players attend Nationals each year with questionable qualifications and without seeking hardship exemptions, because local programs have failed to police their teams.
3. Each year both opposing teams and parents from the program they are associated with, file complaints about teams not abiding by the rules.

We also have had to deal with players that:
1. Attend 15 hours of college classes each semester while claiming they are 51% homeschooled.
2. Are married and have a child.
3. Started homeschooling the day the National Tournament began.
4. Graduated high school and attended college.
5. Are foreign exchange students. (This is nothing against foreign exchange students but, it is impossible to have parent-directed education, which is the basis of homeschooling, if parents live in another country.)
6. Have been disciplined by other teams.
7. Have completed their high school education and work full time, but are age eligible.
8. Attend public or private school five days a week.
9. Live with friends in an apartment.
10. Have run away from home.

In conclusion, our premise is that there is a growing problem that threatens the integrity of homeschool sports.

Premise #2

Whatever model of Christian education a parent chooses for their family; traditional homeschool, co-op, university model, Christian school and anything in between, the fact is all these parents have a goal of raising children that will be able to stand alone and be salt and light in the world that they live.

Premise #3

The NCHBC and all homeschool teams would benefit from being part of a larger more inclusive association.

History

2005 - we were approached by an organization that had a goal of developing National Tournaments for Christian Schools, Prep Schools and Private Schools. They asked us to consider joining forces with them, but we declined.
2007 - we began to see a need for a Division 3 – a division for teams that had hardship exemptions.
2008 - the American High School Athletic Championships asked us to play a significant role in the development of their Association. The AHSAC was planning its inaugural tournaments during the 2009-2010 season.
Current Position

We have decided to become part of the AHSAC in order to promote and improve the NCHBC. This decision was made because it will help us better achieve our goals and it provides a viable solution for the ever changing homeschool community. Although we wanted to make this move, we decided on very strict criteria for becoming part of the AHSAC:
1. We required that we maintain complete autonomy of the NCHBC, and could cancel our membership at anytime, and that they would not start a competing tournament.
2. We required the bylaws guarantee that homeschoolers could not be removed from the AHSAC (many state organizations allow homeschool teams in and the remove them when they don’t feel the need them any longer).
3. We would have a majority of Homeschool positions on the board.
4. Kurt Talbot would be appointed Executive Director.
These requests were met and we have joined the AHSAC.

Nationals 2009

It was agreed the 2009 National Tournament would be the best place for the AHSAC to begin. Here is what this means:
1. There will be two tournaments running simultaneously in Springfield March 16-21, 2009. The National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships (NCHBC) and the National Christian Educated Basketball Championships (NCEBC).
2. We specifically wanted NCEBC instead of National Christian School Basketball Championships because this allows us to move what was Division 3 into the NCEBC and to provide a place for teams that have either too many hardship exemptions or hardship exemptions that are not eligible for the NCHBC.

Benefits for Homeschool Teams and Players

1. As mentioned above it helps the NCHBC to enforce eligibility rules and gives us the freedom to penalize those who do not follow guidelines.
2. It enabled us to negotiate a TV contract with Media Com for 14 games this year (double what we were initially hoping for). Ten of those games will include NCHBC.
3. It will allow for more homeschool players to be All-Americans – we project 50% of the NCEBC will be homeschool teams and many homeschool players will be NCEBC All-Americans. This will also leave more All-American slots open in the NCHBC (for example more than 15 players from Division 3 were All-Americans last year).
4. The NCHBC All-American will play the NCEBC All-Americans.
5. This should help homeschool teams forge better relationships and scheduling opportunities with other non-homeschool AHSAC teams.
6. In 2009, we will have a Fall Extravaganza that will include National Tournaments for Soccer, Volleyball, Softball and Cross Country, plus preseason basketballs tip off tournament and a cheerleading competition. It should be amazing: all this in one city on the same weekend.

Benefits for the Former Division 3 Teams

1. Compete National Championship (NCEBC) with gold ball trophy and right to get Championship Rings
2. Championship game is the 8500 seat Hammons Student Center.
3. Eligibility for First Team All-American and more All-American Awards.
4. All-American Game verses NCHBC All-Americans.
5. TV Coverage of All-American Games and Championship games.

Practical Outworking

There are different qualifying standards for the NCHBC and NCEBC. A program may have a girl’s varsity team that qualifies for NCHBC and the boy’s varsity qualifies for the NCEBC -- that is fine. A team may be NCEBC one year and NCHBC the next again that is fine. Qualification is solely based on individual player eligibility.

There will be more information in the next couple of days.

New Website Launched

2008-10-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

The new Nationals site is up and running, there is still a lot of work to do on it but I think you will like the way the site looks and works. www.homeschoolbasketball.com

Early Registration Discount
6 days to get your registration filled and check in the mail
www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registration

Hotels
Filling up quickly over 70% of the available hotel rooms in Springfield are already reserved, don’t wait to long and get stuck 30 miles away. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/housing

Rings -WOW
I just saw the final on the Champions, All-American and All-Region rings -- incredible, check it our on the main page of website there is a link mid page. . www.homeschoolbasketball.com

Coming Soon

Eligibility
There has been a little confusion with our statement that we are adjusting the eligibility requirements. Let me clarify there are no changes to the rules we are just defining the Hardship Exemption Requirement and integrating them with the player registration form. The goal is to clearly design and explain the Hardship Exemptions and division play for the National Tournament.

On line Player Registration should be ready by end of the first week of October.

Tip-Off BIGGER than ever

2008-10-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

Tip-Off Update
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is a great preseason tournament developing in Springfield November 13-15.

There are 15 Boy’s varsity teams leaving just one opening. Last year we had 6 teams so this is a tremendous increase.

Currently we have 6 Girl’s varsity teams leaving 2 openings (last year we just had a 3 team round robin)

The JR High teams will play Friday and Saturday

Complete listing of teams

Kurt Talbott is the Tournament Coordinator for the NCHBC. If you would like to reserve a spot you may contact Kurt at 1-417-880-4875.

Fund-It/BenefitBar Update ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We have set up an NCHBC Fund-It/BenefitBar so that if your program is thinking about signing up but are just not sure how it works you can check it out. If your program decides not to participate and you would like to support Nationals you can sign up as well.
Remember it is free, it is easy and if your program joins down the road your toolbar will simply replace the national toolbar.

To check out the fund-It toolbar go to www.fund-it-now.com/nchbc

If you want to sign your program up and develop a revenue stream to support your program www.funditbenefitbar.com/NCHBC

Congratulations to following programs who have gone live with Fund-It in the last 2 days:
HSAA, Omaha Roadrunners, Faith Christian Academy, Fort Worth Zion, Memphis Eagles, Garland County Homeschool, Fort Royal Flames, VA

Additionally Youth-Net a Dallas based organization with 4,000 Youth Pastors ministering to 1,000,000 teenagers has joined forces with Fund-It to use the program to help local youth groups with mission trips, building projects and local ministries.

Teams that have signed up and will go live next week: California Homeschool Sports, HIS Eagles, Ozark Christian Home Educators Association, F.C.H.A.A. (Faulkner County), North Atlanta Christian Flight, Fort Wayne GUARD, Dallas Homeschool Basketball (Thunder), Tulsa NOAH, Austin Athletic Fellowship, THESA , Lebanon Rockets, Rockford FIRE, New Mexico Select, Homeschool Wildcats Sports Club, Nashville Central Christian Warriors, Lake Houston Conquerors, Crossroads (Illinois Crusaders).

All-American Press Release

2008-10-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last week we announced the preseason All-American Candidates We also provided a press release, please send us a copy any published All-American Candidate press releases.

Save $50 on Team Registration

Teams that register and pay by 10/31 receive a $50 discount of their team. We always have a huge rush the last week of October, so make sure you plan a head and don’t miss the discount. On line registration is at http://homeschoolbasketball.publishpath.com/registration it is going to be a great year we already have brand new teams signed up and over 20 inquiries from new teams that is very high for this time of year.

Fund-It Program Gone Wild

Over 20 homeschool teams have implemented the Fund-It Program and every program that has had their bar for more than a week is make a $100 or more per week. Plain and simple this is free money to help your program. There is no selling, buying or asking for money and it is free to sign up for your program and all your participants – read all about it

I worked with Fund-It to sign up the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and they will start launching it to their 50,000 plus huddle groups in 10-12 days so now is a good time to get signed up if you’re not already in.

Congrats to the following programs that just went live with their Fund-It tool bar in the last 48 hours: Huntington Eagles, Tulsa CHEF, Pulaski County Flames, Spirit Academy –CA, Weatherford Express, Quincy Saints.

We have revamped the website to sign up go to www.funditbenefitbar.com/nchbc
Feel free to call me if you have questions. Fund-It will be giving a $1000 bonus to the Fund-It program of the year at the Showcase in March. We will announce the details to all Fund-It programs in about 10 days.

New Volunteer -- Tennessee that is.

2008-09-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

One Less Volunteer Needed

Taber Spani of the Kansas City Metro Mavericks has signed a letter of intent to play basketball with the University of Tennessee. Taber will join the Volunteers, the most storied women's college basketball program, in the fall of 2009. While she is excited about the opportunity to play for Pat Summit, she has Springfield Missouri on her mind. In March of 2009 Taber and her lady Mav teammates will travel to Springfield with a goal of winning a second National Championship Gold Ball Trophy and National Championship Ring. ESPN ARTICLE

Preseason All-American Candidates will be announced next week.

National's TV Sponsor and More

I was looking for a TV sponsor to pay for 7 games to be televised at Nationals this year. Not only did I find a great sponsor but that sponsor is offering a great way for every team to benefit, you need to read this.

I will give you a brief overview of the program and if you need more information please feel free to contact me directly.
Yahoo does approximately 7 billion dollars a year in Internet search engine revenue. While that sounds like a lot the fact is that it is only 25% and Google revenues are almost three times that amount.
Yahoo has designed a program for large nonprofit organizations, like the Red Cross, to develop a long term revenue stream for the nonprofit that assists Yahoo in reaching its goal of increasing market share.
Fund-It is the organization that is administering this program for Yahoo for Christian organizations.
Fund-It contacted me about being a sponsor of Nationals and will be the sponsor of the Homeschool Showcase including underwriting the cost to televise the All-American Games.
As part of the agreement all homeschool teams and organizations may participate under the National Basketball Foundation 501c3 status. While this program is reserved for large organizations, Fund-It has agreed to allow any team that we refer to them to participate.
Through this program everyone one can benefit in three key ways:
1. Teams make the money directly from Fund-It -- Our Nationals staff does not have the time to administer this type of program so we have worked it out that each team will sign their own agreement and be paid directly each month.
2. Players and teams that attend Nationals benefit because Fund-It is a sponsor that has agreed to renew each year if we are able to get enough teams involved and will even increase their financial involvement to help fund other things that we would like to add in future years.
3. Teams that cannot afford to attend Nationals will be able to afford to attend.
Where's the MONEY?
It is a very simple program that pays your team $.10 for every search (click through) that you make through the special Yahoo Fund-It/Benefit Bar.
What does that mean to your team? Fund-It estimates your team will earn $15,000 over the course of the year. This estimate is based on 50 computers using FUND-IT/BENEFIT BAR. Many families have 2-3 computers so add in friends, families and alumni and 50 computers is relatively conservative. There no fee to sign up, the installation is very easy less that a couple of minutes (unless you have Vista than it takes 5 minutes), and you are asking people to use basically the same service they have, which no one benefits form currently. There is really no reason for anyone that you ask not to sign up. Did I mention that there is one difference about the search? The Fund-It/Benefit Bar will not searching for pornography or "hate" groups. Even if their estimates are evangelistic and your team only earns one third of estimate that is $500 per family for travel for Nationals, or free uniforms plus whatever your team wants to use the money to buy. All for doing something that you and your friends already do. If you want more information just have a team representative contact me and I will send you Fund-It's direct contact information. Please make sure to tell me what team you are with. If your program has multiple sports no problem they all can sign up and be tracked separately.

Tim Flatt

New -- Program for Nationals

2008-09-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

This year we will be revolutionizing the Official National's Program.
We are going to organize by program instead of age group. Each program will have the opportunity to have their own intro page with program history and picture and bios of their seniors.

Each team will have an opportunity to have a whole page or even a two page spread.

Including large team picture, season highlights and detailed team roster.
Bottom line is that when you get to Nationals and open the program you will be very disappointed if your team has one fourth of a page and your big rivals have a beautiful two page spread. Take a look at what it will look like

Team Program Sample

Plus your team can earn Free Team and Players Fees(see below).

Fundraising Project

This year I have taken on the responsibility to make sure every team can easily earn their way to Nationals. In July I put together a plan that I really liked but unfortunately it was too complicated. Cheryl reminded me, as she has many times over the last three decades, Keep it Simple, Stupid.
So I have gone back to the drawing board and I am going to provide you with a number of great ways for your teams to raise money. In this update I want to share with you the program that we have put in place that makes it a slam dunk for every team to attend Nationals for free.

Fundraising Link

Tim Flatt

Preseason All-American Candidate coming October 1st – coaches you can make nominations at Nominations

Girls Pre-Season Power Poll

2008-09-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

T- #1 KC Metro Mavs, KS
Last Year’s Gateway Regional Champions
Last Years Finish: 2nd
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Taber Spani (1st team), Tanis Spani (2nd team), & Whitney Schwab (3rd team)
The Metro Mavs will be heavy favorites to make a return trip to the national championship game this March. Led by Taber Spani who last year led her team the championship game despite a fractured vertebra. Taber is currently #13 in the 2009 class by Glen Nelson of ESPN HoopGurlz Article

and was ranked the best player of summer 2008 by ESPN’s Chris Hansen of HoopGurlz .
Top player story

T- #1 HCYA Warriors, TX
Last Years Finish: 3rd
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: Emily Frazier (2nd team), Sarah McLeod (2nd team), Kristin Huff (Honorable Mention), and the addition of Elizabeth Arnold (1st team) from the FEAST Patriots.
Last year HCYA took the Metro Mavs to overtime in the national semi-final. This year the warriors will be looking to top the Mavs and with the warriors returning almost their entire core which includes the sophomore duo of Emily Frazier and Sarah McLeod. Additionally HCYA will be making the key addition of 1st team All-American Elizabeth Arnold from the San Antonio Patriots. This huge addition took HCYA from a championship contender to co #1 in this poll.

#3 THESA Riders, TX
Last Years Finish: 1st
Returning Starters: 1
Returning All-Americans: Anna Parish (1st team) and the addition of Sarah Blair (Honorable Mention) from the HSAA Blue Angels.

The THESA Riders are the two time defending national champions. THESA will look to rebuild this year after losing 4 All-Americans. With all four graduating starters playing college basketball this year the Riders will be facing an uphill battle to make their fourth straight championship game. But THESA is not completely rebuilding this year with the return of 1st team All-American Anna Parish and three key additions which include All-American Honorable Mention Sarah Blair & one of the top 14 year olds in the country. THESA certainly will not be a team that any coach will want to see on their side of the bracket in March.

#4 Okc Storm, OK
Last Years Finish: 4th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Lauren Parks (2nd team) & Chloe Farmer (3rd team)
The Storm girls will be returning three starters including two All-Americans from last years final four team. After spending the 2006 & 2007 National’s in 5a the Storm surprised almost everyone with their final four appearances. With a respectable 51-39 loss in the national semi-final to THESA the Storm will look to build on this as they return 6 of their top 8 players. This team will certainly be right back in the mix again and will hope to make consecutive final four appearances.

#5 KC East Lions, KS
Last Years Finish: 5th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Molly Brewster (1st team)
Last years 5th place finisher KC East Lions will be looking to Molly Brewster to lead the way to their first ever final four appearances. The Lions are one of the most consistent girls programs as they consistently find themselves in 6a. With a gut wrenching 39-31 loss in a very hard fought game against the Storm last year this is a team that will be on a mission. In the consolation game last year KC East made a strong statement with a 68-45 victory over SWMO.

#6 SWMO Eagles, MO
Last Years Finish: 6th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Kylie Williamson (3rd team)
The Eagles will be looking to build off their first ever 6a appearance. With the return of 3rd team All-American Kylie Williamson SWMO will be a legitimate final four contender. The eagles will have some opportunities to shake up the rankings this year and certainly will have the talent to do so. Additionally the Eagles have at least one key addition from the Springfield Knights.

#7 Austin Royals, TX
Last Years Finish: 7th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Abigayle Banda (3rd team)
Last year Royal’s qualified for their first ever 6a appearance and after a 70-44 loss to eventual national champions THESA Riders the Royals lost a 56-55 battle to KC East and managed to pull out a 40-39 win to earn their first ever win in 6a. Bottom line with the Royals is that this team will be looking to build off the momentum of their first 6a victory. With the return of last years 3rd team All-American Abigayle Banda and some key young players this will be a team to keep an eye on.

#8 HSAA Blue Angels, TX
Last Years Finish: 8th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Janell Beacham (2nd team)
The Blue Angels last year made their first appearance in 6a in awhile. This year they will look to build off that and will look to get their first win in 6a. HSAA’s first game in 6a last year they drew KC Metro and lost a respectable game 65-52. After that HSAA lost a nail biter to SWMO 47-44 and then lost another heart breaker 40-39 against the Austin Royals. The good news for the Blue Angels is that 2nd team All-American Janell Beacham returns and will look to lead HSAA to consecutive 6a appearances.

#9 North Atlanta Flight, GA
Last Years Finish: 10th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Danielle O’Donnell (Honorable Mention)
The Flight this year will have their mind set on fighting their way into 6a. Last year they came up just short of winning the 5a championship but ran into San Antonio in the finals. Last year Danielle O’Donnell was named All-American Honorable Mention and she will look to lead the North Atlanta Flight into 6a this year.

T- #10 SATCH Mavericks, TX
Last Years Finish: 11th
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: 0
Last year the Mavericks finished 3rd in 5a and will be looking to build of their highest ever finish at nationals. This year SATCH returns 4 starters and with last years experience they will hope to turn that into a run all the way into 6a this year. It will not be an easy task but it is certainly within reach.

T- #10 Cincinnati Landmark Eagles, OH
Last Years Finish: 12th
Returning Starters: 5
Returning All-Americans: Anna Davis (3rd team)
Cincinnati Landmark returns all 5 starters from last years 4th place 5a finish. With the return of 3rd team All-American Anna Davis and the experience of a team that played all year together last season this is yet another team that has their sights set on 6a and will be right in the mix to make their first ever 6a appearance.

In Alphabetic Order here are the other teams that received consideration:

Central Missouri Saints, MO
Huntington Eagles, IN
Indianapolis Trailblazers, IN
MHEA Eagles, TN
Tulsa NOAH, OK
WCHSA Royal Eagles, WI

Don't Be Left Out #1

2008-09-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Extremely Important please read

One of the hardest aspects of working in the homeschool community is that parents don't mind expressing their displeasure when they feel that their child has been slighted. It doesn't matter whether that child is 8 or 18 and it doesn't seem to matter where the blame lies. One of the things I have tried to do the last eight years is put the responsibility back in the hands of teams and parents to make sure they aren't left out. Last year we had a player who was absolutely 100% good enough to be a 2nd team All-American that didn't get to play in the All-American game because his coach did not nominate him. The parents were upset and the coach was upset but the problem was that he just had been too busy to read the e-mails about nominating his players.

With these thoughts in mind I would like to share a number of things with you that I believe are important for you to consider. First each of the four things that I need to make sure you know are so important that I am going to only write about one at a time.

Don't be left out #1

This year we will have 5 Regional Tournaments -- yes 5 we have added Atlanta (see information below).

Top Ten Reasons your team needs to attend:

10. Higher Seeding -- Teams that attend Regionals will end up seeded higher than teams they were equal with during the year that did not attend Regionals.
9. JR High All-Region Team -- this is the highest award available for JR High players, players must play at Regionals to be eligible. Awards will be presented at the special Award Night along with Varsity All-Americans. This is a great first step for future All-American Candidates to get on the radar.
8. Varsity All Region Team -- First Time for this award and this will also serve as a great step for players to move up to All-American in future years.
7. JR High All-Region Rings will be made available for a JR High players who are selected to the All-Region team. These are fantastic looking high quality Balfour rings that players will be proud to wear for many years.
6. Varsity All Region Rings --see above
5. Automatic Bids into Division 1 at Nationals -- each region will be awarded a certain number of Division 1 automatic bids, the best way to secure one is to attend Regionals and earn yours.
4. JR High Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
3. Varsity Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
2. All-American exposure and votes -- If you want to be an All-American you need to play in front of the coaches that will be voting for you.
1. Varsity Winners Guaranteed #1 Seed at Nationals and a 1st team All-American.

Here is how you can help make sure your team isn't left out next spring-

1. Contact your coach and/or board members and make sure they know about the regional tournaments, much of this is new and during the summer many coaches are tuned in. You want to make sure they don't schedule games on the Regional Tournament dates.
2. If your team would like to attend your Regional Tournament (not committing just planning or hoping), encourage your coach to go to http://nchbctournaments.com and reserve a spot right away. Four of the five Regionals are in new locations and we are trying to make plans for gym rentals and need to get an idea what to anticipate for the participation level at each tournament.
If you are planning to attend

How important are the Regional Tournaments? Ask Arkansas

Arkansas changed the date of their state tournament last week to make it so Arkansas teams could attend the Regional Tournaments either Oklahoma City or Shreveport, LA depending on what part of Arkansas they live in.

New Teams

We are getting a great response from new teams. Here is a list of teams that have already expressed plans to attend:
Hattiesburg,Miss
Jackson,Miss
Huntsville,Ala
Birmingham,Ala
Tuscaloosa,Ala
Baton Rouge,La
Minneapolis,Min

Medals
Last year half of the All-Tournament Medals were placed on back order. We have shipped all the medals that we have addresses for, if you are still waiting for a medal please contact ashley@flattmail.com tell here your team, the division and your address.

Girl's Top Ten
To be Released the week of September 15th

Preseason All-Americans Candidates
To be released the first week of October

Preseason Top Ten Power Poll

2008-08-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

#1 HCYA Warriors, TX
Last Years Finish: 1st
Returning Starters: 1
Returning All-Americans: John Caleb Sanders (2nd team)
HCYA will be looking to find four new starters but the Warriors are returning their leading scorer and sophomore sensation John Caleb Sanders. HCYA has continued their domination of the 16 & under division with 4 straight national championships. This is a very big part in why the Warriors are favored to make their 7th straight national championship appearance despite losing nearly their entire core from last years National Championship team.

#2 Okc Storm, OK
Last Years Finish: 3rd
Last Year's Gateway Regional Champions
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-American: Nathan Santelmann (1st Team), Aaron Santelmann (2nd Team), Rex Farmer (3rd Team), and the addition of Evan Justus (Honorable Mention) from the OKC Knights.
The Okc Storm & HCYA Warriors are the only two teams that had earned their way into 6a since the inception of divisions. This year the Storm is looking to make their first national championship game appearance since 2004. With a 3rd place finish last year, the return of three All-Americans, and the addition of another All-American the Storm will certainly be in the mix for a national championship.

#3 St. John's Warriors, MI
Last Years Finish: 6th
Returning Starters: 5
Returning All-Americans: Eric Hamilton (3rd Team) & Kyle Williams (3rd team)
Last year's St. Johns team was a very young & talented team and looks to be returning everyone. Last year St. John's won their first ever Michigan State tournament and made their first appearance in 6a. This is a team will have plenty of test throughout the year & has the potential to be a team that finds themselves knocking on the door of a championship game appearance in March.

#4 Huntington Eagles, IN
Last Years Finish: 7th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All Americans: Colin Featherston (2nd team)
Fresh off their first appearance in 6a last year Huntington will be returning a very strong core and will look to make a run at their first ever final four appearance. Huntington is returning 5 of their top 7 players including a couple standout freshman that were key players last year.

#5 CHSA Wolverines, TX
Last Years Finish: 8th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All Americans: 0
In 2007 CHSA was the surprise team of the tournament with an incredible run to the national championship game in what was their first appearance in 6a. Last year despite some devastating injuries the Wolverines were able to reach 6a again. This is a team that is looking to make their third straight appearance in the gold ball division and with the return of 4 of their top 6 players, key additions, and some players moving up from their JV this is a team that may have a legitimate shot at a final four appearance.

#6 Crestwood Calvary, IL
Last Years Finish: 4th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: 0
Last year Crestwood was led by 1st team All-American & Sr. Joel Morris. This year Crestwood should be a very tough team and has goals of making 6a again. Crestwood is a regular in the gold ball division but will need a good supporting cast around their returning starters in order to get back into the final four.

#7 MHEA Eagles, TN
Last Years Finish: 9th
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: Josh Brown (3rd team) & Ben Barnes (Honorable Mention)
Last year MHEA was able to win the 5a division despite their youth and with a very strong returning cast the Eagles will look to make a run at their first ever appearance in 6a. Last years the Eagles ran into Michigan state champions St. John's and lost a competitive game and then bounced back very well winning out versus a very tough 5a field.

#8 Derby Invasion, KS
Last Years Finish: 12th
Returning Starters: 5
Returning All-Americans: Shawn Michelson (Honorable Mention)
Derby last year had a solid run considering their youth and have put themselves in a excellent situation considering they are returning their entire team. This is a team that I expect will make a very legitimate push for their first ever 6a appearance. Additionally the Invasion have added a 6'7 post player that will give them some much needed size and depth.

#9 Landmark Eagles, OH
Last Years Finish: 2nd
Last Year's Region 1 Champion
Returning Starters: 0
Returning All-Americans: 0
Last year Landmark was led by the dangerous combination of 1st team All-American's Peter Jackson & Eric Head. Landmark has a very good core of young players and has several key editions that could help them greatly during what is supposed to be a rebuilding year. This will be a young & dangerous team that hopes to make a run at consecutive 6a appearances.

#10 HSAA Blue Angels, TX
Last Years Finish: 10th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: 0
HSAA has been one of the more consistent varsity boys programs. With many 6a appearances however last year was a disappointing year. With the return of 3 starters and a very strong core of young players (14 & under national champions) this is a team that expects to return to 6a.

In Alphabetic Order here are the other teams that received consideration:

Dallas Thunder, TX
Faulkner County Falcons, AR
FEAST Patriots, TX
Nashville Central Warriors, TN
North Atlanta Flight, GA
Tulsa NOAH, OK
WCHSA Royal Eagles, WI

Regional Format Announced

2008-08-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, right when I think the summer is about to become less hectic the pace picks up and now the summer is over. I have a number of very significant things to announce that we have been working on for some time. Please make sure that you read the entire post and forward to others in your program.

Information Websites

We have been working on ways to make everything a lot more user friendly and so
we are giving our staff more control over the communication mechanisms. You will
see that Kurt Talbot has website for Regional Tournaments and Rob Flatt has one
for All-American/All-Region Nominations.

New Region Format

This year we have divided the US into six regions. We have assigned each state
(or sometimes we divide states) to a region. Regions are simply called Region 1,
Region 2 etc. Each Region will be allotted a number of Automatic Bids for Division
1 and All-American voting will be by region. Four Regions will have a regional
tournament this year with Region 5 adding a tournament in 2010.
To check out what region you are in, who the competition is and how the system works
go to www.nchbctournaments.com We are still working on the site, the terminology and the wording so if some doesn't look right please contact us.

ALL-American Nominations

We are making some minor adjustments to our All-American Nomination procedure this
year. Each coach can make All Region nominations for his team. All Region Nominations can be made from now until September 10th. There will be a second round of nominations at the end of the first semester. We will have two coaches polls one ending September 10th and one January that will determine which players will be All American Candidates. Coaches may not vote for their own players during this stage of the process. Final ballots will be cast by all coaches that are attending Nationals. Each coach will vote for players from his region (once again coaches are not permitted to vote for his own players or players that he has not seen play). These ballots will be cast immediately following Regionals. Players attending Regionals will have one last shot to make a good impression.

To check out the nomination process go to www.nchbcregionals.com coaches can make nominations immediately and we will post the teams that make nominations
each week.

Preseason Top Ten

The next news update will have the preseason Top Ten Teams. Will your team make
the top ten? Just another 10 days to find out.

Tournament Directors

Looking for teams? We now have the ability to list tournaments online for you more
information at www.nchbctournaments.com

Basketball Nationals Update

2008-08-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a busy time for our Nationals staff and we are going to try to communicate on a regular basis so that we won't overwhelm you with information all at one time. We will be looking for individuals and families to help with various things this year and will post those opportunities in these e-mail updates. In this update we are looking for a few people to help with Media Relations (see below). We would also like to ask you to forward this e-mail to knew families in your program.

Springfield Drive Time Savings

One thing that we liked about Springfield is the size of the city. While it is big enough to accommodate a tournament the size of Nationals, it is small enough that all the gyms and hotels are in a 6-7 mile from the center of the city. This makes all gyms and hotels within about 12 miles.
A special thank you to Randy Martin from Memphis actually did a Google map of all the hotels, colleges and high school gyms, here is the link. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114826141753583136334.00045443d920c7bac7c90

To give you an idea of the economic impact of this, if the average family that travels to three gyms in a day they would travel an average of 50 miles fewer per day or 300 miles per week. If the average team has 5 vehicles that is 1500 vehicles driving 360,000 fewer miles and at say 15 miles a gallon and gas at $4.00 per gallon (although last weekend I saw gas in Springfield gas was $3.33 per gallon), the savings will be $120,000 for the homeschool families.

All-American Nominations

Next week we will be announcing the procedure for All-American Nominations. There will be many new facets to this year's procedure and it will be very exciting, stay tuned.

National's Hotel Link -- Springfield CVB

The link for hotels in Springfield is http://www.springfieldmo.org/housing Many hotels are filling up quickly. I was surprised to see that the Double Tree (which is widely considered the nicest hotel in Springfield) hasn't received very many reservations. Every team that books through this link with the CVB will receive a rebate details to follow.

Television Deal

We are getting close to having a TV deal finished and making and hope to make an official announcement soon.

Preseason Tournament

The Tip Off Tournament will be held in Springfield MO November 13-15th. We already have teams from Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tenessee signed up (Where's Texas?). If you would like more information please contatc Kurt Talbot at 1-417-880-4875.

Media Relations A Family Project

I am looking for 3-4 families from around the country that would be willing to serve as Media Relations Directors. I will be glad to train individuals for this project. This will be a huge help to Nationals and a great learning experience.

NEW Regional Tournaments

Next week we will be releasing the new Regional breakdown that will include information on All Region Teams, Automatic Division I bids and a couple of new Regional Tournaments.

Fundraising Project

The year we have introduced a new fundraising program for teams and families to help offset their expenses to attend Nationals. For example if a team raises $2500 they receive FREE team fee, FREE players registration, a $75 gas card for each player and coach (total of 11) and a FREE Pizza Party ticket and Gymsack for all players. For more information go to the website and click on Founders Club in the left column. www.homeschoolbasketball.com We will also have some more exciting news about this program relating to FREE All-American and National Championship rings.

Tim Flatt

New Host City -- Springfield, MO

2008-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

The past eight years the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships has enjoyed a very special relationship with its host city, Oklahoma City. Prior to arriving in OKC the NCHBC had moved five times during its first ten years including stints in San Antonio, TX, Estes Park, CO, and Santa Fe NM. The NCHBC experienced tremendous growth during the last eight years, growing from just over 100teams to more than 300 in 2008. “Our experience in OKC was tremendous. We benefited from the central location, the stability of being in the same location for eight years and the great people we worked with at the OCCVB, local colleges and area businesses. OKC has been experiencing a significant economic growth the last few years, culminating this summer the acquiring of an NBA Sonics team. We applaud these exciting events for the OKC but in the end the growth of both the tournament and the city made it necessary for us to look at other options for the championships starting in 2009” states Tim Flatt, Executive Director for the NCHBC.

“We carefully looked at ten cities and as of today we have a new home for at least the next three years. We are excited to announce our new host city is Springfield, MO” adds Flatt.

The NCHBC staff has worked very closely with the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Springfield Sports Commission to make certain that the 2009 National Tournament will be a great experience for all teams and families that attend. Springfield was selected over ten other cities for the following reasons:
1) Facilities
2) Hotel Rates and Availability
3) The support of the CVB and Sports Commission
4) Location
5) Televised games

Facilities

Showcase and Championship Saturday -- The NCHBC has secured the use of the Hammons Student Center at Missouri State University for both Wednesday and Saturday. The Hammons Student Center has a capacity of 8,846. This will give room for growth as the Sawyer Center at SNU held 5,000 last year. Additionally, MSU is building a new facility that will seat 12,000 that will be a valid option if we out grow the Hammonds Center.

College Gyms - We will be using Evangel College, Drury University, Central Bible College and Baptist Bible College. These are all top quality college gyms that hold 1,500-3,500 fans and will be perfect for semi-final games.
Other Gyms - Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Parks and Recreation are making their gyms available for the NCHBC. The gyms will be a very significant upgrade from the gyms in OKC which have been very good the past few years.

Hotel Rates and Availability

One of the concerns about OKC was the continuing rise of hotel rates. The bottom line is that Springfield offers our families 800 plus hotel rooms less than $79.00 per night and another 800 between $80-89 per night. It is estimated that families will save over $300,000 in hotel costs in 2009.

IMPORTANT
The Springfield CVB has negotiated group rates with virtually every quality hotel in Springfield. These rooms will be offered via a special website starting Tuesday August 12 at 9:00 AM. We will post a link on the website and Blog, as well as send an e-mail with the link.

VERY IMPORTANT
It is very important that everyone either uses this service provided the CVB or notifies us if they chose to make other hotel arrangements. Let me explain why this is so important. The purpose of CVB is bring events to their city. Their effectiveness is measured in room nights. The more room nights the more the CVB is willing to do to help events. How does this affect you? In our agreement with the CVB there are certain arrangements that we have that are directly affected by room nights. The kinds of things that the CVB helps us with is the cost of the Hammons Student Center. Additionally if we want to move to the new facility this will be determined by the room nights we use. When the CVB covers cost for Hammons Student Center that allows us to use sponsor's funds to get our events on television.
The hotels listed on the CVB site give us the most credit but if you choose to stay somewhere else contact us and we will get some credit and may even be able to negotiate a better rate through the CVB.

Why are some hotels not listed?
1) We chose to not to list hotels with high attrition rates. Some hotels require you to pay for 80% of the rooms you hold whether you use them or not.
2) We chose to avoid hotels that are often rented by the hour more than the day.
3) We chose to not use hotels that were in unsafe or unseemly areas.

Televised Games
It is our plan to eventually have nine NCHBC games televised. This would include local, regional and national coverage. We are negotiating with various stations at this time. We are confident that we will work our way to nine games; however, we may have to start this year with 3-5 games televised. The number of games will be directly related to how much sponsor money we can direct toward this goal of increasing exposure. The funds for this project will come directly from the CVB sponsorship and fundraising through the Founders Club. Next week we will give you an update on the Founder's Club.

Central Location
The location of Springfield will be a tremendous asset in the continued growth of the NCHBC. The move will add an extra 200 miles for most Texas teams and an extra 280 miles for OKC, West Texas, New Mexico, AZ and CA . However, it will still be a one day trip (5-10 hours for most of the teams) for all teams that are currently a one day trip from this region. AZ and CA will remain a two day trip. The positive is that now almost every other team that attends Nationals will be able to get the in one day.

We believe that our biggest area for growth over the next few years is from the Midwest - Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa as we have been able to identify almost 200 teams from this region that don't currently attend Nationals. Now we are within a day's drive for virtually all of these teams and with your help we may be able to encourage many to attend.

Basketball Nationals is Moving

2008-07-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Due to the current economic conditions and unpredictable facility situations that Tim Flatt explained on the Nationals Conference Call, the NCHBC has opened entertained the possibility of eight cities hosting the 2009-2011 National Championships. We have talked to and or visited 8 cities in the last 5 weeks

Three cities have been eliminated:
1. Dallas
2. Wichita
3. Oklahoma City

The five remaining cities meet the following minimum criteria:
A. Within 350 miles of OKC
B. An arena that is available for next three years with a min capacity of 7,000
C. College arenas that can host semifinal games with min of 2,000 seating (must be nice setting)
D. The ability to start putting games on TV both local cable and National cable.

The next step for the cities is to compete on the following level:
A. Hotel capacity
B. Hotel Rates
C. Effectiveness of the CVB (Convention and Visitors Burea)
D. Secondary gyms

What is the process that we are waiting for?
A. CVB will send out leads to all hotels and lock in group rates
B. Gym contracts will be provided
C. Final commitments from the city concerning their participation will be made.
D. We will weigh the cities bids and eliminate cities that do not offer the best package
E. We will select the city, sign contracts, hold a press conference and notify you.

We will have a final announcement by August 15th

What should you do now?
A. Do nothing, even if you think you have an inside scoop, just wait. The key for us to build a long term relationship in a city is to work with the CVB.
B. Since there are numerous cities bidding you may here an inside scoop but it will more than likely be nothing more than I am telling you right now.

Rumors, Rumors and more Rumors

2008-07-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Rumors are flying!

This morning I received five phone calls inquiring about the 2009 NCHBC moving from Oklahoma City. I heard that we were moving to Stillwater, OK, Dallas, TX and Shreveport, LA. I even received a call from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau inquiring as to next year’s status due to the Sonics moving to OKC. Obviously they were concerned because we had planned to move to the Ford Center either this year or next and that would be out of the question now. This coupled with the fact that the Sonics will likely use SNU as their practice gym could make it unavailable to Nationals.

So what is going on? With all the rumors there must be at least some truth mixed in, right? Hmmm, those are very good questions and I would like to answer you right now but I all I can tell you that is nothing is set in stone. We are working on a number of very important and exciting things for 2009 and I will be prepared to make an official announcement on July 24th.

I will hold a conference call at 8:00 PM CST

1-218-339-2626
Access Code 704478

I have 600 lines reserved so anyone who wants to call in is welcome.
I will also post a blog when the phone call is over with the details.
So what should you do between now and next Thursday? Just wait because more than likely any action you take will likely have to be undone since things are still up in the air. Everyone will find out the final word at the same time and that will cut down on confusion, panic and rumors.

Talk to you next Thursday,

Tim Flatt

The Founder's Club

2008-07-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

In June we announced that we would be introducing a number of new projects this summer. These projects are in conjunction with Nationals but they are also separate from our current Nationals Structure. We have decided to form the Founder's Club as a means to create and develop these projects. Here is an overview of the Founder's Club. Our next big announcement will come within the week.

This summer we have created The Founder’s Club. The Founder’s Club is named in honor of Dr. Jim Leininger. Dr. Leininger is a true entrepreneur and visionary who founded Homeschool Basketball Nationals. Dr Leininger has over 50 business ventures that included founding KC Worldwide and ownership in the San Antonio Spurs. Dr. Leininger was a homeschool dad and the coach of a National Championship FEAST Patriots teams in the early 1990’s.

The Founders Club is designed to be a tool that helps homeschool families and teams throughout the country. Additionally the Founder’s Club will raise funds to help promote the extra things that are important to the continued enhancement of the National Tournament. The Founder’s Club will be responsible for the Homeschool Showcase. “One of the things that the Founder’s Club does is helps programs that want to be more than just participants at Nationals become contributors. I think the long term health of Nationals will be directly impacted by how many programs want to roll up their sleeves and work with the Founder’s Club” states Tim Flatt, the Executive Director of the NCHBC. “We have tried to design this club in a way that is consistent with how Jim (Dr Leininger) functions as a businessman. While I known Jim is a very generous person, literally giving away more money than most people will make in a lifetime, he believes that people should pay their way in things they believe are important. One of the things that makes Jim unique is that throughout his life he has consistently believed in providing a way for those who want to shall we say earn their way. So I think the Founders Club is a perfect example of this characteristic in Jim’s life.”

The Founder’s Club is free for every team and program to sign up for. Once your program is part of the Founder’s Club you will receive the following benefits:
1) Access to all special fundraising programs and ventures.
2) Free tickets for all players and coaches to the 2009 Homeschool Showcase.

To sign up cut and paste this link into your browser http://homeschoolbasketball.com/team_sign_up.php

National Summer Update

2008-07-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Plans for 2009 Nationals

This summer as we prepare for the Eighteenth Annual National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships to be held in March of 2009, we will be making a number of very significant announcements about four very important projects we are developing. We are faced with numerous hurdles that need to be overcome in order to assure that we remain on course for achieving the goals that have been our focus since I was appointed Executive Director of the NCHBC in 2000. These goals have been foundational in every decision that we make in the administration and direction of the NCHBC. Here is a list of our goals:

1) To host a family event that emphases our Christian heritage.
2) To provide a quality event that families are willing to take a week of vacation to attend.
3) To provide a balanced tournament that:
A. Provides a format that allows all teams to compete with teams at or about their talent level.
B. Provides the top teams a chance to play in a National Championship atmosphere.
C. Provides an opportunity for coaches, players and parents to see what it is possible by seeing the top level teams.
4) To showcase the top talent for college coaches and the media.
5) To demonstrate to others that Homeschool basketball is not behind and our tournament is equal to state public school tournament caliber.

While I believe we have been making steady strides in achieving all of our goals, we have some serious concerns about making sure goals one and two stay intact. The main hurdles that we need to make sure .... to finish this story go to http://homeschoolbasketball.com/fund_raising_packet.pdf

Important Announcement

2008-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

This summer we have been working a number of very important projects that will be of assistance to all homeschool teams. Here are a couple that might catch your attention:

1) Every player can receive Free Player registration in 2009
2) Every team can receive Free Team Registration in 2009
3) You could receive free lodging for the 2009
4) Your team could receive Nike Sponsorship

We will be hosting a conference call Thursday June 19th to discuss all the details. We have posted the details on the coaches’ blog but many coaches may not check the blog during the year, so please contact your coach and make sure he checks the blog for the information.

Also this call is open to assistant coaches, board members and anyone involved in organization with in your program. Please feel free to contact me if you are in one of these categories and would like the call information.

Tim Flatt

2009 Nationals Fund Raising Project

2008-06-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

We have finalized the details for the 2009 Nationals Fund Raising Project, this project is designed to help you raise money to offset the cost in attending Nationals. We would love to see 100% particpation, there is absolutely no reason for any player to ever pay a players fee again. Start early and you might be surprised with how much money you can earn. The details can be found on our sponsor blog. http://nchbcsponsor.blogspot.com/

Fund Raising Opportunity

2008-05-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Why Fund Raising

It has always been our goal to make the National Tournament an event that is worth taking a week of vacation to participate. In recent years we have become more concerned about want to making it possible that every player and family that wants to attend can afford to do so. Each year we continue to see the cost for families to attend Nationals increase in many areas. This year with gas prices moving to new highs we are equally concerned.

We know that many programs do group fund raising events and that is fantastic and we in no way want to replace those fund raising activities. However, when we created the National Basketball Foundation as a 501c3 two years ago we did it with the intentions of creating an avenue to help families. This program is designed to be used by an individual family or it can be adapted by a team that might want to use it to cover the National player and team fees as well as buy new uniforms or help the families that have the hardest time financially attending Nationals.

The Plan

On September 1, 2008 we will be launching a new website HomeschoolSportsOnLine.com this website will be integrated with both the Nationals website and Homeschool Sports Insider. The site will be a great site including current game stats/videos, players of the month, games of the month, All-American watch and much more. On this site each program will have its own page that will include their team picture and roster. We will create the page using the 2008 program pictures and rosters. The pages will be updated as we receive the new photos and rosters additionally we will allow teams to send in current game photos and other information to post on their page.

What is the fund raiser? We are going to allow each player to sell the banner ad space for their team’s page. Ads will be $100, $200 and $500. We did a program that was very similar to this last year and with the Storm and we had numerous players sell around the $1,000 in ad space and not one player who actually tried to sell ad space came up empty handed. We will be glad to forward you an information kit that explains how to sell the ads and the order form information.

Where’s the money? Basically for every $100 in ad space that you sell you get $50 to use for your families expenses in attending Nationals. There is no reason that literally hundreds of families can’t raise all the money it will cost to attend Nationals. The balance of the money will be used to maintain the website and be used to help us cover cost of the National Tournament.

Final information with complete detals will be available on June 10th. If you would like to get the information just send me (tim@flattmail.com) an e-mail with “Fund Raising” in the subject line and I will e-mail it to you as soon as it is finished. If you are a coach and want information for your team put “Team Fund Raising” in the subject line.

2009 Dates and Hotels

2008-05-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

The 2009 National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships
will be held in Oklahoma City March 16-21st.

Once again this will be a very busy week in OKC for hotels but I am pleased to announce that we have locked up 750 rooms on the Meridian corridor. I know the prices aren't bargin basement but with gas prices climbing the way they are location is becoming more important. If you are interested inlocking up rooms I wouldn't wait too long.

I want you to know that we do feel the pain your pain in the increasing cost for Nationals and we are working on a fund raising project that will work for any family that needs to raise funds to cover expenses to attend next year.

2009 National Homeschool Basketball Host Hotels

Clarion Meridian Hotel & Convention Center
(Headquarters)
737 S. Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 * 800-784-7830
Rates: $82.00 Standard Rooms
$92.00 Suites
Amenities: Indoor Heated Pool, Expanded Complimentary Breakfast

Biltmore Hotel
401 S. Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 * 800-588-6620
Rate: $99.00 All Rooms
Amenities: Indoor Heated Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Continental Breakfast or
Paid Hot Buffett

Springhill Suites
510 S. MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73128 * 888-287-9400
Rate: $99.00 All Rooms
Amenities: Indoor Heated Pool, Breakfast Buffett

Best Western Saddleback Inn
4300 SW 3rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 * 800-228-3903
Rates: $109.99 Standard Rooms
$139.99 Suites
Amenities: Outdoor Heated Pool, Sauna, Full Hot Breakfast

Ramada Airport North
2200 S. Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 * 800-652-3781
Rate: $99.00 All Rooms
Amenities: Seasonal Outdoor, Continental Breakfast

Prayer Request

2008-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Kurt Talbot, the director of a number of NCHBC tournaments (The Gateway Regional and Tip Off) went to the doctors on Friday because he couldn't shake the flu. After some blood work he was sent to the Hospital in Springfield MO where he was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Chemotherapy treatment began on Sunday. It looks like they will keep Kurt in the hospital for 3-4 weeks while he recieves his treatment. Of course Kurt is optimistic but this is a very tough time for Kim and the children. Please keep the Talbot family and especially Kurt and the doctors in your prayers.

Kurt is not only a friend to homeschool basketball, he is the kind of person that anyone would enjoy spending time with. There are very few people who are willing to make the kind of sacrifices for home school basketball that Kurt is so let's join together and ask God to heal him quickly.

Nationals T-shirts -- For Sale

2008-03-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

We have had enough time for the dust to clear and we have about $4,000 in t-shirts and sweatshirts that we would like to sell to get our budget even on the Showcase. It is our commitment to continue to find ways to make the National Tournament a better experience for all, when we do sometimes there are often cost that are not covered in Nationals budget. It is our commitment to not raise the cost to participate for teams or players or to charge a gate for family and friends. So we use try to cover cost through things like t-shirt sales and the pizza party. We have had a couple dozen e-mails from players who want to buy shirts and that is great. But let me ask those of you who bought your shirts at Nationals, how about buying a shirt for a gift and to support Nationals at the same time. I am in Arizona right now with my in laws and over the last few days they have worn basketball (Nationals and Storm t-shirts) from past years that we have given them. They really like the shirts and I am sure your Grandparents, parents, older siblings who used to attend Nationals before they graduated, younger siblings who couldn’t attend Nationals, friends and so many others would love a Nationals t-shirt or sweat shirt. Oh yeah and if I haven’t been clear we really would appreciate your support. Here is what we have available:

2008 Nationals Design
Short Sleeve $12
Black – all sizes
Grey (Med and large only)

Long sleeve t-shirts $17
Black – all sizes

Hooded -- youth $20 adult $30
Grey – all sizes except 2XL, 3XL

Water bottles $3
Navy Lanyard $2
Basketball (full size only) $10

2008 Show Case Design
Baseball style -- $20 with your name and number printed

Short Sleeve T-shirts White, Red or Blue all Sizes $15

Shipping is $6 per order and if your order—no matter how many items you buy.

Special Offer if your order is more than $30 we will send you a free Showcase T-shirt –Please tell us the size and color for your free showcase t-shirt.

Checks payable to NCHBC, 7631 NW 192nd St, Edmond OK 73003

New York Times

2008-03-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Wow -- what an amazing week. The showcase was a huge success in many ways, the most immediate, in terms of seeing a difference, was the media attention. For years we have tried to gte the Daily Oklahoman to give us more coverage. Early in the week they will usually do an article or two but this year we were able to get the to attend the Showcase and after that they assigned a different reporter to the tournament for each day. This was Sunday's http://newsok.com/article/3216859/1205653085

Below are the links to the New York Times article and slide show.

They also put together a slide show that is really good.

SPORTS March 16, 2008 Growing Cheers for the Home-Schooled Team By JOE DRAPE

I will follow up with some more post after I get my feet on the ground.

Award Ceremony Times

2008-03-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

I want to clarify the schedule for today at the Sawyer Center.

The Girls Varisty Championship Game will start at 3:00

The Game will last 1:05-1:15 Minutes. We will set the clock for 15 minutes after the floor is cleared and to give a chance for players to get in the right section. I would estimate the Ceremony will start at 4:20-4:30.

If you don't have a game it would try to be there by 3:30 so that those who are running from games will have less confusion getting in to the Sawyer Center.

Based on the above

Boys Varsity will kick off at 5:15-5:30

Second Awards at 6:45-7:00

Sleep Fast,

TF

Showcase – Game Schedule Change

2008-03-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

From the comments I heard I think the showcase was a huge success. It may have been one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever experienced at Nationals. I would like to ask you to do two things for me if you enjoyed the Showcase.

1) Thank Rick Malone and Rob Flatt – those guys really do all the behind the scenes stuff and it would never happen without them. Sometimes people don’t realize the impact of those two because of the fact that Rick has done it for 6 or 7 years now and it runs so smooth. Then Rob is a “Flatt” so people assume he just has to do it, but I can tell you almost all the ideas for tonight came from him. He just loves Nationals and homeschool basketball and is always looking for a way to make it better for the players.

2) Buy our showcase t-shirts on Saturday, we really need to sell them to help pay for Showcase. This is a chance for you all to vote with your wallet to make sure we are able to bring the Showcase back for 2009. I think that it was entertaining enough to support it with a $15 purchase. That’s a pretty inexpensive evening for a family for three hours, don’t you think?

Game change Boys 18U 3A some games on Thursday are scheduled on court 19 but it should be 18. I think that is right but I can’t remember exactly it could be the other way around. The bottom line is if you were in 19 it is now 18 or vice versa. I so tired I can’t remember. Call the score hotline in the morning if you are in B18 3A and I confused you.

I am going to bed and will try to get up and answer e-mails and return phone calls buy 11:00 AM. Although last time I thought I was going to do that (yesterday) I slept 4 hours and woke up with things on my mind. I really can’t afford to do that again.
Tim Flatt

Quick Notes

2008-03-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

Things seemed to go well for the first full day of games.

The Showcase will start promptly at 7:00 (if the the Lord doesn't come and the creek doesn't rise). The event will be 3 hours. The schedule is:
The opening ceremony 40-45 minutes
The All-American Games 1:20
Three Point and Slam Dunk Contest 45-50 Minutes

All-Americans and Honorable Mentions we will reserve a special section for you on the ground level be there at 6:45 sharp.

Pizza Party -- we will have pizza available immediately after the opening ceremony section. We will have an extra 100 or so pizzas ordered so if you didn't get your tciket just come to the booth and we may have some available.

Be Enthusistic

Honorable Mention Update

2008-03-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

Last week my computer crashed and some of the info I have had trouble recreating. One of the items was the All-American Honorable Mentions. I found a number of players I left off the list tonight when I was getting things together for tomorrow night. I have added the players to the list below (the orignal post). I am sooooo sorry for the mistake.

Daily Update

2008-03-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

Programs are in at the convention center.

Honorable Mentions listed below.

Pizza Party Tickets still available at convention center.

See you at the games.

Girls Honorable Mention

2008-03-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

Allison Mounts Tulsa NOAH
Danielle O'Donnell N Atlanta Flight
Emily Bush SCWC Knights
Eva Dedow Austin Royals
Hannah Terry Fayettville Knights
Jenna Davis Metro Mavaricks
Jenny Beaman SWMO Eagles
Jenny Myer SCWC Knights (WI)
Jessica Karraker KC East Loins
Kelly Arps N. Atlanta Flight
Kelly Sargent WCHSW (WI)
Keersten Anderson KC East Loins
Kristen Huff HCYA
Lauren Netzel CHSA (TX)
Mallory Lane Metro Mavaricks
Melisa Naylor OKC Storm
Raven Phillips MHEA Eagles
Rebecca DeRidder MHEA Eagles (TN)
Sarah Blair HSAA (TX)
Sarah Bradford OKC Storm
Terra Hicks SWMO Eagles
Trina Lloyd Huntington Eagles (IN)
Trish Sontag CHSA (TX)
Whitney Hill KC East Loins

Boys Honorable Mention

2008-03-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Andrew Paterson Christian Heritage (CA)
Aundre Carnegie Lansing Crusaders
Ben Barnes MHEA Eagles
Ben Lawerence Faulkner County (AR)
Ben Lowe Lansing Crusaders
Bobby Strandt SWCHA Saints
Brandon Power AAHE Ealges
Brinks Brewster KC East Loins
Dan Pelletier Summit (MI)
Daniel McColloch WCHSA Royal Eagles (WI)
David Collins Austin Royals
Ebo Pinneau Crown Knights
Eli Horvorka Lakeshore Thunder
Elijiah Carbagal Valencia Wildcats
Eric Pfenning SWCHA Saints
Ethan Leatherman Noble/Whitley Warriors
Evan Justus OKC Knights
Frank Carter Zion Saints (TX)
Grant Wgram Wichita Defenders
Ian Ransdell Chicago Thunder
J.J. Attaway KC East Lions
James Parks Faulkner County (AR)
Jared Hemsoth Fort Wayne Gaurd
Jarrod Dinardo Dallas Thunder
Jeff Brooks HSAA
Joey Pattavina Omaha Lightning
Jon Allen BVCHEA Mustangs (TX)
Jordon Brewer San Marcos Panthers
Jordan Schnieder WCHSA Royal Eagles (WI)
Josh Lucas Thorndale TCA (TX)
Josiah George North Atlanta Flight
Khiry Belcher Zion Saints (TX)
Matt Decker CHSA
Matthew Ortega Valencia Wildcats
Matthew Carmona SATCH
Michael Ozmun Omaha Lightning
Milo Kostov Landmark Eagles
Paul Marchbanks Dallas Thunder
Preston Spicer OKC Storm
Rhett Rowan Austin Royals
Ryan Boggs Nashville Warriors
Sam Haynes San Marcos Panthers
Scott Pfenning SWCHA Saints
Shawn Michelson Derby Invasion
Tanner Bruffey Lubbock Warriors
Tanner McNeil KC North Knights
Tyler Koepke WCHSA Royal Eagles
William Martin Comer Crown Knights
Zach Bryant OKC Knights

Show Time

2008-03-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Oklahoma City

It looks like great weather this week 60-70’s during the day and a nice crisp mid 30’s at night. We plan the schedule, God plans the weather.

Teams have begun arriving and 300 teams either in town or on the way to town it looks to be a FANTASTIC week of basketball.

Player Registration, Coach Registration and t-shirt pick up and sales will open at 9:00 AM Monday. Programs are delayed at the printer and will not be ready until late Monday early Tuesday, I will post when they are ready and we will have them at the Showcase for pick up.

Team USA Registration opens at 10:00.

Check out the special personalized t-shirts design to commemorate the 1st Annual National Tournament Showcase. This year it was too late to get a sponsor for the Showcase so we designed the shirts as a way to help offset the $12,000 extra cost to run this Showcase. We hope you will like the shirts and lend a helping hand by purchasing one.

All registration is open until 9:00 PM.

There are meetings for:
Team USA Noon (16/18) 9:00 (10/12/14)
Coaches Meetings --11:00, 3:00 (16/18 pick one) 9:45PM (10/12/14)
All American and their coach – 10:30 PM

We look forward to seeing all of you,
Tim Flatt

Final Touches -- Urgent Need

2008-03-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

We are putting on the final touches before we start the set up tomorrow. If you’re staying close to the Clarion Convention Center tomorrow and have nothing to do from 2:00-6:00 stop by and we will put you to work for an hour or so.

There is no registration or pick until Monday morning.

Urgent need – I was just working on Team USA and I only have six 11 and 12 year old girls signed up. We need to make two teams or no teams for the brackets to work so we really need four more girls to sign up or these little girls are not going to be able to play. Can you help out these girls by letting your daughter play? E-mail nationals@flattmail.com if you can help.

Schedule Changes

2008-03-07T21:15:00.001-08:00

Awards Ceremony time change – the first award ceremony originally scheduled for 3:00 on Saturday has been pushed back to 4:15 in order to give a chance for all other games to end and avoid parents missing the awards ceremony for younger children.

Team USA -the second team USA Meeting for 10, 12 and 14 will be pushed back to 9:00 (originally 8:30)

The third coaches meetings will be moved back to 9:45 (originally 9:15)

These changes are to accommodate overlap with games on Monday.

Nationals Three Days Out –Yikes

2008-03-07T00:53:00.000-08:00

Ready or not Nationals is just about here. I would like to take a minute of your time to go over some important details for you that will make your arrival go more smoothly. PLEASE READ all of this letter.

Registration – If you have not pre-registered you will need to register before you play your first game. Registration is at the Convention Center. It is the star on the map; I would recommend printing a couple copies of the map before you leave home. Map link is in the Tuesday March 4th post below. Registration is open Monday 9AM-8PM and Tuesday 9:00 AM-Noon.

T-shirts – are available at the convention center from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday and Tuesday. If you preorder you must pick up your shirts by Tuesday 8:00 PM. If you haven’t preordered keep in mind every year we sell out of 95% of all sizes, colors and styles. To avoid disappointment please make sure you get there as soon as practically possible.

Pizza Party – This year the Pizza Party will be held in conjunction with the Showcase Wednesday Evening. You can purchase Pizza Party tickets good for one large one topping Pizza Hut pizza for $10. The pizzas will be delivered to the Sawyer Center every 20 minutes starting at 7:15. I highly recommend getting your tickets early because we have a limit to how many pizzas Pizza Hut can deliver. Trust me when people bring their pizza in to eat while watching the game it is going to smell great and there are no other concessions available at the Sawyer Center that night. This is truly a “snooze you loose sale”.

Showcase – Two items here:

1) The showcase will start at 7:00 and conclude around 10:00 the schedule is packed and it should be great fun. Make sure to cheer and show your enthusiasm as we will have lots of media (including the New York Times and a freelance writer for ESPN) as well as local media and the college scouts, let’s make a lasting impression.
2) Support the showcase, by the time we decided to do the Showcase this year it was too late to secure a sponsor. So we decided to design a great t-shirt that will be available at the showcase to help cover the extra $12,000 in expenses. All we ask is if you love the t-shirt buy one.
This Blog will be your connection to changes and important information during Nationals, I recommend that you assign someone from your program to check it late at night and someone else to check it first thing in the morning.
Girls 12 – The brackets posted earlier were not correct we still need 5 more 12U Team USA girls to complete the brackets so I will be posting TBA on where teams advance until we know for sure and that might not be until late Tuesday evening so hang in there we will get it posted as soon as we know.

New Record – We have 300 teams this year which breaks last year’s record of 296
Warm-up Basketballs – each team is responsible for your own warm-up basketballs and should have a game quality ball as home team will provide a basketball. Team USA players bring your basketballs.

Team Banners are required for teams that want to be represented in the Flag Procession at the Showcase. Details will be provided in the Coaches Meetings.

Brackets will be final by 11:59 tonight.

Plenty more to follow ......

Important Meetings on Monday

2008-03-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

There are 3 coaches meetings on Monday – Attendance is mandatory at one of the meetings. All meeting are at the ballroom on the east side of the convention center.

11:00AM Coaches Meeting --Ages 16/18

12:00 Team USA – ages 16/18 for players and coaches

3:00PM Coaches Meeting -- 18(under) coaches that miss first meeting do to travel

8:30PM Team USA -- ages 10/12/14 for players and coaches

9:15PM Coaches Meeting 10/12/14

10:30PM All-American meeting

Coaches make sure you keep an eye on the coaches’ blog. If you don’t have the URL get a hold of Rob or Tim and they will get you the information.

New Link for Roster, Team USA and Gym Maps

2008-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/download.htm

2007-2008 Girl's All-Americans

2008-03-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

The following is a list of the 2007-2008 NCHBC All-Americans. They are listed in Alphabetical order. Players were selected and voted on by a panel of 24 coaches from a crossed the nation.

1st, 2nd and 3rd team designations will be announced in OKC.

Honorable Mention will be announced at the Showcase on Wednesday evening.
Abigayle Banda Austin Royals
Alana Chung HCYA (TX)
Andrea Ratzlaff Tulsa NOAH
Anna Davis Landmark Eagles
Anna Parish THESA (TX)
Brittany Holmes MHEA Eagles (TN)
Chloe Farmer OKC Storm
Elizabeth Arnold FEAST
Elizabeth Shrader Knoxville Ambassadors
Emily Frazier HCYA (TX)
Heather Bechtold HSAA (TX)
Holly Burt THESA (TX)
Hope Petersen THESA
Janell Beacham HSAA (TX)
Jasmin Wright Cincinnati Trailblazers
Jessica Lane N. Atlanta Flight
Kylie Williamson SWMO Eagles
Lauren Parks OKC Storm
Lydia Joiner Knoxville Ambassadors
Macy Walquist Central MO
Molly Brewster KC East Lions
Rebecca Daniels Huntington Eagles (IN)
Sarah McLeod HCYA (TX)
Shaylon Martinez THESA
Stacy MammelFEAST
Taber Spani KC Metro Mavs
Taly Balciunas CHSA (TX)
Tanis Spani KC Metro Mavs
Whitney Schwab KC Metro Mavs
Whitney Williams THESA (TX)

2007-20008 Boy's All-Americans

2008-03-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

The following is a list of the 2007-2008 NCHBC All-Americans. They are listed in Alphabetical order. Players were selected and voted on by a panel of 24 coaches from acrossed the nation.

1st, 2nd and 3rd team designations will be announced in OKC.

Honorable Mention will be announced at the Showcase on Wednesday evening.

Aaron Hendrix CHSA Wolverines
Aaron Krejci OKC Storm
Aaron Lewis Lakeshore Thunder
Aaron Santlemann OKC Storm
Alex Nelson Iowa Chargers
Andrew Daniels Huntington Eagles
Ben Kirby Stillwater Trinity
Caleb Bucher KC Metro Mavs
Colin Featherston Huntington Eagles
Daniel Crouse Butternut
Daniel Kelly Nashville Warriors
David Glenn Omaha Roadrunners
Eric Hamilton St Johns (MI)
Eric Head Landmark Eagles
Evan Zieschany HCYA
Ian Corella Christian Heritage (CA)
James McDonald HCYA
James Swearingin AAHE Eagles
Jarell English Dallas Thunder
Jarett Boss Tulsa NOAH
Jedidiah Landis MCE
Jesse Sanders HCYA
Joel Morris Crestwood Calvalry (IL)
John-Caleb Sanders HCYA
Jordan Martin HSAA (TX)
Josh Brown MHEA Eagles
Josh Decker HCYA
Josiah Ludwick Chicago Thunder
Justin Johnson Tulsa NOAH
Kelvin Bailey Zion Saints (TX)
Kyle Williams St Johns (MI)
Mark Walton SATCH
Nate Santlemann OKC Storm
Peter Jackson Landmark Eagles
R.J. Hallebach Illinois Crusaders
Rex Farmer OKC Storm
Sakari Clow Knoxville Ambassadors
Spencer Hoelscher BVCHEA Mustangs (TX)
Tyler Piercefield Lansing Crusaders
Willis Norman North Atlanta Flight

Update - One Week Out

2008-03-02T06:39:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of information that we will be finalizing of the next 72 hours. As soon as the following items are finished we will make a post here:

1) Gym Map – we will be using 25 gyms we have contracts on 24 and as soon as we have the last one the map will be completed.
2) Final Schedule for the week
3) All-American list for the game on Wednesday.
4) Updated Team Rosters
5) Brackets for all ages divisions
6) Team USA – team list

Brackets, Brackets and more Brackets

2008-02-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

We have started posting backets on line. We have boys 10, 12 and girls 10 done. The girls 12 is having to be reworked becuase we are short on Team USA players and may not be able to field a team in that age group if we don't get some new registrations this weekend.

The 14, 16 and 18 are waiting for this weekends results and than will have to go through some input from coaches. we hope to have them posted by Thursday.

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com on the front page there is a link.

Official Team Rosters – Check it out are you on it?

2008-02-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

We are posting the “Official Team Rosters” on line. Please understand this is not the Program Roster they are completely different. Every player on your team must be on the official roster to play at Nationals. Check it out to see if you and all your team mates are listed. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/official_roster.pdf

The Roster is wrong what do I do now?
1) If is a spelling problem with a name -- do nothing this list is for internal use only.
2) If you are listed on the wrong team like G12 instead of B12 – do nothing, as long as you are on your program roster it is OK.
3) If you play on more than one team for your program – do nothing we only list one.

Not on the List:
1) If you registered and received your registration packet fill out the lost registration part of form below.
2) If you registered and have not received your registration packet (do same as above).
3) If you have not registered but will when you arrive at Nationals fill out the part that says players to be added when arrive in Oklahoma.

On line form http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/roster_change.htm

How important is this? If a player is not on our final list which will be compiled of the players currently on the list and the change forms, he/she will not be eligible to play at Nationals.

Hotel Rooms

2008-02-25T02:14:00.000-08:00

I just heard for our host hotel the Clarion and the have about 22 rooms left in various room types. If you would like to stay there call Marla or Jeff at 1-405-942-8511. We reserve the maximum rooms that they allow 90% if we don’t take them by Friday they will be sold to the general public. So if you want to stay at the number one place with reasonable rates $79-89, don’t wait too long or the rooms will be gone.

Team Banner and Basketballs

2008-02-24T16:39:00.001-08:00

This year we will continue our tradition of having a flag presentation at the Showcase (formerly called the Opening Ceremony). However, this year it will be different in a number of ways, the most important being that for your program to be represented you will have to have a Team Banner.

For those who have not been to the flag presentation in the past. This is a 3x6 to 4x8 banner with your team name and/or logo. The banner may not be on any type of polls to lift it in the air.

One other note for first time teams, each team is required to provide its own warm up and game basketballs.

Missing Seeding Information

2008-02-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Currently the following teams have been seeded at the bottom of their division because we have no seeding information from them. If you play on one of these teams please conatct your coach and ask him to send fill at the seeding questionaire.

B-18:
MCE Knights
Odessa Blaze

G-18:
FEAST Patriots I

B-16:
Fayetteville Knights

G-14:
FEAST Patriots

B-10:
OKC Broncos
Rockwall Rockets

Final Team List Information

2008-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

Below are the list of teams for each age division. If you don't see an age group below, you can click on the link on the right side of this page. Please look through the list and check the information. It really helps when you make sure that we have your team in the right age group and that we have the spelling correct. With over 300 teams registered we are going to make mistakes and if you help us catch them know we appreciate it. It doesn’t hurt to take a second to check other teams in your program as well.

You might also enjoy seeing the teams you will compete with during your time in OKC.

All Boy divisions and Girls 10U are full; we can accept one more team in Girls 12, 14, 16 and 18.

Final Team List Girls 18

2008-02-22T19:25:00.002-08:00

Amarillo Flames
Austin Royals
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHEF Arrows
Christian Heritage Knights
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels--JV
Denver Eagles
Fayetteville Knights
FEAST Patriots I
FEAST Patriots II
HCYA Warriors
Huntington Eagles
Indianapolis Trailblazers
Joplin Lions
Kansas City North Knights
KC East Lions
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lubbock Warriors
Metro Academy Mavericks
MHEA Eagles
Moore Eagles
N Atlanta Flight
Nashville Central Warriors
OKC Storm
Pulaski Co Flames
SATCH Mavericks
South Central WI Knights
Spirit Academy Warriors
SWMO Eagles
Team USA-Red
Team USA White
Team USA Blue
THESA Riders
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats
Victoria Cobras
WCHSA Royal Eagles
Wichita Defenders

Final Team List Girls 16

2008-02-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

Christian H.O.M.E. Wildcats
CHSA Wolverines
Dallas Thunder
Dikaios Defenders
FAITH Crusaders
Faulkner County Falcons
HCYA Warriors-Nix
HCYA Warriors-Warner
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
Lake Houston Conquerors
Lakeshore Thunder
MHEA Eagles
NE Louisana Christian
OKC Storm
Red River Rattlers
Saline Co Warriors
Springfield Knights
SWMO Eagles
Team USA-Red
Team USA - White
THESA Riders

Final Team List Girls 14

2008-02-22T19:24:00.001-08:00

Abilene BCHE Hawks
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHEF Arrows
CHSA Wolverines
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels - MS "A"
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-9th
FCA Nighthawks
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Warriors
KC East Lions
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lake Houston Conquerors
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Central Warriors
OKC Storm
SATCH Mavericks
Team USA - Red
Team USA- White
THESA Riders
Tulsa NOAH-Moody (had been g12)
Tulsa NOAH-Blankship
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

Final Team List Girls 12

2008-02-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

BVCHEA Mustangs
CHEF Arrows
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
FCA Nighthawks
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Warriors
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lebaon Rockets
MHEA Eagles
NE Louisiana
OKC Storm
Team USA-Red
Team USA-White
Tulsa NOAH

Final Team List Girls 10

2008-02-22T19:22:00.002-08:00

Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
HCYA Warriors-Huff
HCYA Warriors-Ammons
KC East Lions
MHEA Eagles
OKC Storm
SATCH Mavericks
Team USA-Red

Final Team List Boys 18

2008-02-22T19:22:00.001-08:00

AAHE Eagles
Abilene BCHE Hawks
Austin Royals
Butternut
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHAP Chariots
CHEF Arrows
Chicago Thunder
Christian Heritage Knights
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Crestwood Cavalry
Crown Knights
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
Dallas Thunder
Derby Invasion
FAITH Crusaders
Faulkner County Falcons
Fayetteville Knights
FEAST Patriots
Fort Wayne GUARD
HCYA Warriors-l
HCYA Warriors-ll
Huntington Eagles
Illinois Crusaders
Iowa Chargers
Kansas City North Knights
KC East Lions--Blue
KC East Lions--White
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lakeshore Thunder
Lansing Crusaders
LFCA Bobcats
Lubbock Warriors
MCE Knights
Memphis Nighthawks
Metro Academy Mavericks
MHEA Eagles
Mira Loma Mustangs
Moore Eagles
Nashville Central Warriors
Noble/Whitley Warriors
North Atlanta Christian Flight
Northwest Warriors
Odessa Blaze
OKC Storm
Omaha Lightning
Omaha Roadrunners
Prayer Warriors
PTHSS Warriors
Pulaski County Flames
Rockford Fire
San Marcos Panthers
SATCH Mavericks-Blue
SATCH Mavericks-White
South Central WI Knights
Springfield Knights
Stillwater Trinity Warriors
SUMMIT Sports Club
SWCHA Saints
SWMO Eagles
TCA Warriors
Team USA-Red
Team USA-White
Team USA-Blue
THESA Riders
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats
Warriors for Christ
WCHSA Royal Eagles
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders
Zion Saints

Final Team List Boys 16

2008-02-22T19:21:00.002-08:00

AAHE Eagles-White
AAHE Eagles-Blue
CHEF Arrows
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
Dallas Thunder
Fayetteville Knights
FEAST Patriots
Fort Smith Patriots
HCYA Warriors-I
HCYA Warriors-II
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
Lake Houston Conquerors
Lakeshore Thunder
Memphis Nighthawks Black
Memphis Nighthawks White
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Central Warriors
NEACHE
OKC Storm
Pulaski Co Flames
SATCH Mavericks
Springfield Knights
SWCHA Saints
SWMO Eagles
THESA Riders
Tulsa NOAH-J Boss
Tulsa NOAH-Harp
Wichita Defenders

Final Team List Boys 14

2008-02-22T19:21:00.001-08:00

AAHE Eagles
Abilene BCHE Hawks
AZ HEAT
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHEF Arrows
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-Blue
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-Red
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-White
Dallas Thunder
Fayetteville Knights
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Warriors-I
HCYA Warriors-II
HCYA Warriors-Red
Huntington Eagles
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions-Blue
KC East Lions--White
Lakeshore Thunder
Lubbock Titans
Memphis Nighthawks
MHEA Eagles
Mira Loma Mustangs
Nashville Central Warriors
OKC Storm
OKC Storm
PTHSS Warriors
SATCH Mavericks (blue)
SATCH Mavericks (white)
SWMO Eagles
Team USA-Red
Team USA-White
THESA Riders
Tulsa NOAH-Blake
Tulsa NOAH-Lay
Victoria Cobras
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

Final Team List Boys 12

2008-02-22T19:20:00.001-08:00

BVCHEA Mustangs
CHEF Arrows
CHSA Wolverines
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-Blue
Dallas HSAA Blue Angels-Red
Dallas Thunder
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Warriors
Illinois Crusaders
Memphis Nighthawks
MHEA Eagles
OKC Storm-Blue
OKC Storm-Gold
Pulaski Flames
SATCH Mavericks
Team USA-Blue
Team USA-White
Team USA-Red
Tulsa NOAH-Price
Tulsa NOAH-Blount
Tulsa NOAH-McVeigh
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

Final Team List Boys 10

2008-02-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Dallas HSAA Blue Angels
HCYA Warriors
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
Memphis Nighthawks
OKC Broncos
OKC Storm
Rockwall Rockets
SATCH Mavericks
Team USA Red
Team USA White
Tulsa NOAH

Team USA

2008-02-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Team USA – A Team USA is formed from players from around the countrythat are able to come to Nationals. The reasons they play team USA vary:

1) Some play because their team is not able to attend.
2) Some play because they are at Nationals to watch a sibling and they want to have some fun on their own.
3) Some play because they are playing up on a team, but don’t get much playing time. For example they play on an 18U team but are age elgible for Team USA at 16U and since age group time do not conflict they play both.

Each year we have 15-20 Team USA’s in the all age groups. If you are comingto National’s with friends or teammates and would like to play together we can arrange that.
All players on Team USA will play equal playing time for the first 3 quarters. We try to keep teams between 8-9 players. All players are required to complete a player registration in addition to theTeam USA registration.

We have the following opening at this moment:

Girls 10U 4 openings
Girls 12U 9 openings
Girls 14U 9 openings
Girls 16U 12 openings
Girls 18U 2 openings

Boys 10U 6 openings
Boys 12U 5 openings
Boys 14U 3 openings
Boys 16U 2 openings
Boys 18U 6 openings

Sign up today at the Team USA Sign up Link

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/team_usa.htm

Will also be posting updates at the Team USA blog

http://nationalsteamusa.blogspot.com

Rosters, Pictures, Slam Dunk, Three Point Shooting

2008-02-20T22:51:00.001-08:00

Today was a great day for getting in rosters and team pictures, check to see if we have your team http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/roster_check.htm

Also we are now accepting applications for those wishing to participate in the Three Point Shooting Contest (girls and guys) and Slam Dunk Contest. How do you sign up? Tell your coach you want in and if he thinks you meet the criteria he can sign you up.

Boys All-American Nominations

2008-02-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

There are currently 95 All-American Nominations from 41 teams, we would like to see at least 10 more teams make nominations so that we have 100 plus boys to select the 36 All-Americans. Contact your coach if your team is not listed below:

AAHE Eagles
Abilene Hawks (TX)
Amarillo Flame
Austin Royals
Butternut
BVCHEA Mustangs (TX)
Christian Heritage (CA)
CHSA Wolverines
Crestwood Cavalry (IL)
Dallas Thunder
Derby Invasion
Faulkner County (AR)
Fayetteville Knights
HCYA
HSAA (TX)
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
KC Metro Mavs
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lakeshore Thunder
Landmark Eagles
Lansing Crusaders
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Warriors
Noble/Whitley Warriors (IN)
North Atlanta Flight
OKC Storm
Omaha Lightning
Omaha Roadrunners
SATCH
SCWC Knights (WI)
St Johns (MI)
Summit (MI)
SWCHSA Saints (WI)
SWMO Eagles
Thorndale TCA (TX)
Tulsa NOAH
WCHSA Royal Eagles (WI)
Wichita Defenders
Zion Saints (TX)

Girls All-American Nomination

2008-02-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

There are currently 53 All-American Nominations from 20 teams, we would like to see at least 10 more teams make nominations so that we have 65-75 girls to select the 22 All-Americans. Contact your coach if your team is not listed below:

CHSA (TX)
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Denver Eagles
Fayetteville Knights
HCYA (TX)
HSAA (TX)
Huntington Eagles (IN)
KC East Lions
KC Metro Mavs
Landmark Eagles
MHEA Eagles (TN)
N. Atlanta Flight
OKC Storm
S.A. FEAST (TX)
SCWC Knights (WI)
SWMO Eagles
THESA (TX)
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats
WCHSA (WI)

Newest Seeding Questionnaire List

2008-02-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

If your team is listed below than your team is all set, if not call your coach.

G-10
HCYA (Frazier)
HCYA (Ammons)
HSAA
KC East
MHEA Eagles
SATCH Mavs

B-10
HCYA
HSAA Blue Angels
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
OKC Storm
SATCH Mavericks
Tulsa NOAH

G-12
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHSA
FCA Nighthawks
FEAST
HCYA
HSAA
KC East Lions
Knoxville Ambassadors
Landmark Eagles
Lebanon Rockets
MHEA Eagles
OKC Storm
Tulsa NOAH

B-12
BVCHEA Mustangs, TX
CHSA
Cincinnati Trailblazer
Dallas Thunder
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Green
HSAA (blue)
HSAA (red)
Illinois Crusaders
Memphis FCA
MHEA Eagles
SATCH Mavericks
Tulsa CHEF
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

G-14
Abilene BCHE Hawks
BVCHEA Mustangs
CHSA, TX
HSAA “A”
HSAA “B”
KC East
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lubbock Warriors
Memphis Nighthawks
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Warriors
OKC Storm
SATCH Mavericks
THESA Riders
Tulsa Chef
Tulsa NOAH I
Tulsa NOAH II
Weatherford Express, TX
Wichita Defenders

B-14
Abilene BCHE Hawks
Arlington Eagles
AZ Heat
BVCHEA, TX
CHSA Wolverines
Dallas Thunder
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Purple
HCYA Black
HCYA Red
HSAA
HSAA (red)
HSAA (white)
Huntington Eagles
Illinois Crusaders
KC East White
KC East Blue “B”
Landmark Eagles
Lubbock Titans
Memphis FCA
MHEA Eagles
OKC Storm
OKC Storm “B”
PT Warriors
SATCH Mavericks Blue
SATCH Mavericks White
SWMO
Tulsa Noah II
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

G-16
Christian Home Wildcats, IN
CHSA
Dallas Thunder
Dikaios Defenders, CA
FAITH Crusaders, AR
Faulkner County Falcons
HCYA (Nix)
HCYA (Warner)
KC East
Lakeshore Thunder
Lake Houston Conquerors
MHEA Eagles, TN
OKC Storm
Red River Rattlers
Springfield Knights
SWMO Eagles
THESA Riders

B-16
AAHE Eagles Blue
AAHE Eagles White
CHSA
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Dallas Thunder
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Green
HCYA Red
HSAA
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
Lake Houston
Lakeshore Thunder, WI
Landmark Eagles
MHEA Eagles, TN
NEACHE Eagles
OKC Storm
Pulaski County Flames
Saline County Warriors
SATCH Mavs
Springfield Knights
SWMO Eagles
Tulsa Chef
Tulsa NOAH
Wichita Defenders

G-18
Amarillo Flame
Austin Cougars
BVCHEA Mustangs
Christian Heritage Knights
CHSA
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Denver Eagles
Fayetteville Knights
HCYA
HSAA
HSAA Blue Angels JV
Huntington Eagles
Indy Trailblazers
Joplin Lions
KC East Lions
KC Metro
KC North Knights
Knoxville Ambassadors
Landmark Eagles
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Warriors
Pulaski County Flame
SATCH Mavericks
SWMO Eagles
THESA Riders
Tulsa CHEF
Valencia Wildcats
Victoria Cobras
WCHSA Royal Eagles
Wichita Defenders

B-18
AAHE Eagles, TX
Abilene BCHE Hawks
Austin Royals
Ambassadors for Christ (Knoxville)
BVCHEA
Butternut
CHAP Chariots (Lansing)
Chicago Thunder
Christian Heritage Knights (CA)
CHSA, TX
Cincinnati Landmark Eagles
Cincinnati Trailblazers
Crestwood Calvary
Dallas Thunder
Derby Invasion
FAITH Crusaders, AR
Faulkner County Falcons
Fayetteville Knights
FT. Wayne GUARD
HCYA Black
HCYA Blue
HSAA
Huntington Eagles
Illinois Crusaders
Iowa Chargers
KC East (White) “A”
KC East (Blue)
KC Metro
KC North Knights
Lakeshore Thunder, WI
Lansing Crusaders
LFCA Bobcats (Norwood, MO)
Lubbock Warriors
Memphis Prayer Warriors
MHEA Eagles, TN
N. Atlanta Flight
Noble Whitley Warriors
NW Indy Warriors
OKC Storm
OKC Storm “B”
Omaha Roadrunners
Omaha Lightning
PT Warriors (TX)
Pulaski County Flames
Rockford FIRE
SATCH Mavs White
SATCH Mavs Blue
Springfield Knights
SW MO Eagles
Summit, MI
Trinity Christian (Thorndale)
Trinity Warriors (Stillwater)
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats (NM)
Warriors for Christ (St. Johns)
WCHSA Royal Eagles (WI)
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders
Zion Saints (Fort Worth)

I Can't Find The LINK

2008-02-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Coaches let me guess, you have been called by a player(s) becuase your team has not submitted your team photo, roster, seeding questionnaire and/or All-American nomination.

Now you are here at the blog and you can't find the link, which is of course why you haven't filled out the form in the first place. So why can't you find the form? This is the players blog, the forms are on the coaches' blog.

We have sent information on the coaches blog on seven occassions now to all coaches, we do not publish the bog here because we don't want players to have access to the coaches blog. If you have either missed placed the coaches blog infromation or your notifications have end up in filters or junk mail (you now understand why we have moved to a blog) and you can get the information by e-mailing us and we will send you the link to the blog.

Program List

2008-02-19T21:32:00.001-08:00

Is your team going to be in the National program this year?

Click on the link and find out if we have your Team Roster and Picture if you are not listed contact your coach ASAP the drop dead date is Feb 22nd.

http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/roster_check.htm

All-American Nominations

2008-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

The following teams have nominated All-Americans. This is for Varsity teams only. If you don’t see your team listed it means your coach either did not chose to nominate someone, your coach is waiting until the last minute (Feb 20th is the deadline) or your coach either forgot about the nominations or is unfamiliar with the process. HMMM what should you do? Maybe you should drop him/her a note, just incase he/she forgot, kind of a tough way for a team mate to not be nominated don’t you think?

Boys All American list:
AAHE Eagles
Butternut
BVCHEA Mustangs (TX)
Christian Heritage (CA)
CHSA Wolverines
Crestwood Calvalry (IL)
Dallas Thunder
Derby Invasion
Faulkner County (AR)
Fayettville Knights
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Lions
KC Metro Mavs
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lakeshore Thunder
Lansing Crusaders
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Warriors
North Atlanta Flight
Omaha Lightning
Omaha Roadrunners
SATCH
St Johns (MI)
SWMO Eagles
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats
WCHSA Royal Eagles(WI)
Wichita Defenders
Zion Saints (TX)

Girls All American list:
CHSA (TX)
Fayettville Knights
HCYA (TX)
HCYA (TX)
HCYA (TX)
HSAA (TX)
Huntington Eagles
KC East Lions
KC Metro Mavs
KC Metro Mavs
KC Metro Mavs
N. Atlanta Flight
OKC Storm
OKC Storm
S.A. FEAST (TX)
SWMO Eagles
THESA (TX)
THESA (TX)
THESA (TX)
Tulsa NOAH
WCHSA (WI)

Team Seeding Questionnaire

2008-02-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

The following teams have completed their Seeding Questionnaire, if your team is not on the list below contact your coach immediately and remind him/her to fill out the seeding questionnaire because if it is not completed by the 20th of February, it could DRAMATICALLY impact your team's seed.

G-10
HCYA Gold
HCYA II
HSAA
KC East
SATCH Mavs

B-10
HCYA
HSAA Blue Angels
Illinois Crusaders
SATCH Mavericks

G-12
BVCHEA Mustangs
HCYA
HSAA
Knoxville Ambassadors
Lebanon Rockets
MHEA Eagles

B-12
Dallas Thunder
HCYA Green
HSAA (blue)
HSAA (red)
Illinois Crusaders
Memphis FCA
MHEA Eagles
Wichita Defenders

G-14
BVCHEA Mustangs
HSAA
KC East
Lady Ambassadors (Knoxville)
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
NCC Warriors (Nashville)
OKC Storm
THESA Riders
Tulsa Chef
Wichita Defenders

B-14
AZ Heat
FEAST Patriots
Dallas Thunder
HCYA Purple
HCYA Black
HCYA Red
HSAA (red)
Huntington Eagles
Illinois Crusaders
KC East Blue “B”
MHEA Eagles
OKC Storm “B”
SATCH Mavericks Blue
SATCH Mavericks White
Tulsa Noah II
Weatherford Express
Wichita Defenders

G-16
Dallas Thunder
HCYA (Teal)
HCYA (Puprle)
KC East
Lakeshore Thunder
Lake Houston Conquerors
THESA Riders

B-16
Dallas Thunder
FEAST Patriots
HCYA Green
HCYA Red
HSAA
Lake Houston
NEACHE Eagles
Pulaski County Flames
Saline County Warriors
SATCH Mavs
Springfield Knights
Tulsa Chef
Wichita Defenders

G-18
CHSA
HSAA Blue Angels JV
Huntington Eagles
Indy Trailblazers
KC East Lions
Lady Ambassadors (Knoxville)
Lubbock Warriors
MHEA Eagles
Nashville Warriors
THESA Riders
Traverse City Lady Bulldogs
Tulsa CHEF
Valencia Wildcats
Victoria Cobras
WCHSA Royal Eagles
Wichita Defenders

B-18
Ambassadors for Christ (Knoxville)
Butternut
CHAP Chariots (Lansing)
Christian Heritage Knights (CA)
Crestwood Calvary
Dallas Thunder
Derby Invasion
Faulkner County Falcons
HCYA Black
HCYA Blue
HSAA
Huntington Eagles
KC East (Blue)
KC Metro
LFCA Bobcats (Norwood, MO)
Lubbock Warriors
N. Atlanta Flight
NW Indy Warriors
OKC Storm
Omaha Roadrunners
Omaha Lightning
PT Warriors (TX)
Pulaski County Flames
Rockford FIRE
SATCH Mavs White
Springfield Knights
Trinity Christian (Thorndale)
Trinity Warriors (Stillwater)
Tulsa NOAH
Valencia Wildcats (NM)
Warriors for Christ (St. Johns)
Wichita Defenders
Zion Saints (Fort Worth)

Pre-Order your T-shirts Now

2008-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

For those of you who took advantage of the early registration discount, you have either received your voucher back or you will shortly (if you just mailed your form last week). We HIGHLY recommend that you preorder your t-shirt and mail in your voucher for your program. There are three very important reasons for this:

1) If you mail in your order we will have it waiting for you when you arrive in OKC. You won’t have to worry about us running out of the size or color that you want – trust me when I say we run out of certain items and sizes on Monday or Tuesday every year.

2) If you forget your voucher at home, well you forgot your voucher at home and the policy is simple:
NO voucher NO t-shirt
NO voucher NO Program
NO EXCEPTIONS, NO APPEALS

3) If you lose your voucher – see number #2

You have until March 1st to get the order mailed in so why not spend 41 cents and save yourself a lot of heart burn.

Showcase Sponsorship Opportunity

2008-02-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

The National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships have been held in Oklahoma City since March of 2000. Since that time the tournament has grown from 100 teams to 300 teams. This year our Board of Directors decided to add some new features to the tournament that are not covered by team and player fees. We are committed to continuing our practice of having no gate charge for the National Tournament and to not increasing our team and player fees beyond current levels despite escalating costs for gyms, officials and other expenses.

In 2000 a number of familes from the Storm thought it would be a good idea to have a Coaches’ Hospitality Suite, giving coaches a place to find bracket updates, enjoy some refreshments, and get away from the pressures of the tournament while fellowshipping with other coaches from around the country. It was an immediate hit with the coaches, but it did mean taking on expenses not covered by fees. So, we asked the families of the OKC Storm to make donations to cover this expense. I am pleased to say that over the last 8 years Storm families have graciously donated almost $100,000 to cover the expenses for the Coaches’ Hospitality Suite. Storm families take great pride in demonstrating hospitality in this way, and the Coaches’ Hospitality Suite has remained popular with coaches, enhancing their Nationals Experience.

This year we we’re adding four new features to boost the Nationals Experience for everyone. They are:

The Showcase, a tournament showcase of talent, including a dunk contest and other exhibitions of individual skills. It’ll be great fun for all, but on top of that, coaches and scouts from around the country will be invited to The Showcase.
Sponsorship for The Showcase: $5,000

College Coach and Scout Hospitality Much like the Coaches’ Hospitality Suite, a central gathering place for coaches and scouts.
Sponsorship for College Coach and Scout Hospitality: $3,500

Trophies Just like everything else, Trophies go up a little every year. And we want to continue providing top quality trophies and medals. Furthermore, we’d like to add the All American Trophies.
Sponsorship for Trophies: $4,000

Media Expense Cultivating media contacts means important recognition for the tournament as a whole, and for individual players who might not otherwise get the kind of attention they deserve.
Sponsorship for Media Expense: $2,000

We’d like to see four programs step forward and underwrite these four very important expenses that have been included to enhance the Nationals Experience for all. We also will gladly accept individual or family donations. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

If you would like to make an individual donation click on the donate button.

If you would like to spearhead sponsoring one of these projects or just make a donation go to our sponsorship blog http://nchbcsponsor.blogspot.com/ We would love to have this year’s program say:

The 2008 NCHBC sponsored by HCYA
All American Trophies sponsored by Tulsa NOAH
Media Hospitality sponsored by CHSA
Or whatever program steps up to the plate to sponsor the event.

The fact is that virtually all of our programs have families that are capable of stepping in and helping make Nationals better than ever.

It Looks Like a New Record

2008-02-14T01:52:00.000-08:00

It looks like we will have 304 teams for this year Nationals that is a new record if it holds up. Last year was the previous record at 298 teams. We are still receiving inquiries and we have a few openings to fill the brackets. Typically this time of year we get a few cancellations so that the numbers are just projections at this point. Here is where we stand:

Boys 10’s – 12 Teams (1 opening)
Boys 12’s – 22 Teams (1 opening)
Boys 14’s – 40 Teams (1 opening)
Boys 16’s – 32 Teams (1 opening)
Boys 18’s – 76 Teams (4 openings)

Girls 10’s – 10 Teams (2 openings)
Girls 12’s – 20 Teams (1 opening)
Girls 14’s – 24 Teams (2 openings)
Girls 16’s – 24 Teams (1 opening)
Girls 18’s – 44 Teams (3 openings)

If you are thinking about bring a team in one of these divisions, I would sign up right away.

We could really use Team USA players to make teams to fill the brackets. Team USA is a team that is made up of players from all around the country that don’t have team coming to Nationals. The team is coach by a dad and all the players get to play equal playing time for the first 3 quarters. The cost is $75 ($50 for Team USA and $25 for player Registration – just mail the form together to the address on the Team USA form). Registration forms are on the website.

If you know of teams that are having a good year and are thinking about coming to Nationals, go ahead and recruit them we will appreciate it.

Player Pre-Registration Deadline

2008-02-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

If you have not already mailed your player registration and plan to pre-register before you arrive in Oklahoma City the dead line for pre-registration is Feb 15th. However, we will accept all registrations postmarked Feb 16th at the discounted rate. After this Saturday noon do NOT mail any of the forms in as it is too late for pre-registration. You will need to register when you arrive, details to follow.

Players Update 5 weeks out

2008-02-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

As Nationals quickly approaches I will be making many blog posts with important information please sign up to get notifcation when a post is made so you don't miss out. There will be a lot of information that you will need in order to make your family and team’s “Nationals Experience” complete.

1) Player Registration – Please remember all players must register individually to play at Nationals. The form is on line at www.homeschoolbasketball.com As of today we have 1450 players registered. Last year we had 2500 pre-registered. The deadline for pre-registration is Feb 15th, so please get the word out to your team it will save them money and eliminate an extra step during Nationals.
2) Team USA – if you have siblings of your team members coming to Nationals you might want to recommend to them that they play on a Team USA. This is great fun and really ads to the whole family experience. Varsity games are played later in the day and do not conflict with younger ages.
3) Rooms at the Clarion – I still have some rooms available at the Clarion if you want to stay at the host hotel let me know. Rooms are $79 and $89.
4) The Showcase is picking up steam the local media has assured me they will be there in full force and today I was called by ESPN about attending. This weekend I will e-mail 600 college coaches and scouts with their official invite.

More to follow,

Tim Flatt

1/10/2008 Update

2008-02-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

The 2008 National Homeschool Basketball Championships will feature some very exciting additions. We have sent out a number of letters highlighting these additions. We would now like to give you some further explanations of the overall plans.

There are basically two reasons why we have chosen 2008 to implement these plans:

1) Necessity -Some of the changes are due to scheduling conflicts, some are due to facilities requirements, and some are due to continued growth.
2) Progress – The main goal of the NCHBC is to promote and expand the positive influence of homeschool basketball.

We will break the changes/additions into five categories:
1) Opening Ceremony –
The Opening Ceremony has been renamed the to the “National Homeschool Basketball Showcase.” This event will be moved to Wednesday Night in order to work with the church gyms that we use. The Showcase will include the following:
-- State flag procession. (Team must have banner to participate)
-- Acknowledge 2007 top programs
-- Announce the All- Americans
-- Announce the girls and guys “Pete Maravich Award Winner”
-- Three Point Shooting Contest
-- All-Star Game
-- Slam Dunk Contest
Details on how to qualify to participate for the three-point shooting and slam dunk contest will be announced later.
As part of our showcase, we are going to have an All Star game. The first half will be played by the girls and the second half will be played by the guys. The All Star game players will be the 1st and 2nd team All Americans. By putting together this showcase we are going to be able to use this as an opportunity to invite college coaches and scouts from over 500 colleges and organizations, as well as all of the Oklahoma City media. We will hold a special catered reception for the media and college scouts at the Sawyer Center. This will give the coaches a chance to come into town on Wednesday get a sneak preview of the top 36 players and then to go see them play games the rest of the week. One thing that you have to understand is that college scout participation is typically player driven, but if we can create a Showcase Event and an All American selection it will give homeschool basketball players the best opportunity to be recruited for college.

2) All American Selection
I would like to give you a few more details behind the decision to change the way that All-Americans are selected:
Problem:
Through the years each coach was able to select their team’s All American from his team based on the teams place at Nationals. There are a couple of reasons why we could not continue with this approach: First, if a team finished 4th in 6A they would get one All American, while a team finishing 1st in D would get four All Americans. A couple of years ago the team that won D lost to the 4th place 6A team by 50 points earlier in the week. As you can see the All American status was not accurately reflected in this selection procedure. Second, college coaches and scouts would be told a player was a 3 time All American, and they would go to a game and report that player was in not an “All American type” player. This has been the cause for numerous college recruiters to stop attending Nationals as there was no real process for weeding out the top players, and the tournament is just too large to scout all the teams.
Solution:
We are going to continue to allow coaches to select players for recognition at the National Tournament Awards Ceremony – however, we will be calling that award “All Tournament” instead of “All American.” All Americans will then be selected at the Varsity level through the following procedure:

1) Coach will nominate players from his team
2) Coach will provide stats and a game tape
3) Selection Committee will work through a procedure of selecting first team, second team and third team All Americans.
4) All Americans will be recognized at Nationals (see below)
5) Pete Maravich Award --The Pete Maravich Award winner will be the top homeschool player in the country. It will be like a homeschool basketball Heisman Trophy Award. There will be one for the girls division and one for the boys division.
Further Benefits:
By making these changes in our All American Selection process the National scouting boards, college coaches and scouts believe that homeschool players will have a better chance of being pursued for scholarships. This new process also allows us to move forward with another of our long term plans.

3) Division Breakdown
Here is how it will work: Boys 18 Division 1 will have 32 teams. This division will break into 4 classes: 6A, 5A, 4A. 3A -- 8 teams each. While this is very similar to previous years in some aspects there are some specific reasons for these changes which are:

A) This will mean that teams will play a maximum of 5 games. There are a lot of reasons for this that I won’t take time to go into at this point. Teams will have to qualify for Division 1

B) There will be a new classification for Division 3. There have been many changes in the homeschool movement over the last 15 years. There have been some policies that were in place from the early years of this tournament that have affected the goal of an equal playing field the last few years. There were also some rules instituted by the now defunct Wichita Nationals group that have affected how homeschool teams have operated. After much consideration we have concluded that instead of fighting the variety of homeschool teams that the homeschool community would be better served to classify the groups so that they can compete against like minded programs. Division 3 will consist of the following teams:
--- Homeschool teams with some players that attend a Model School (three days at school, two at home)
--- Homeschool teams that want to add players from other teams for Nationals
--- Homeschool teams that are All-Star teams from a state or an area
--- Homeschool teams with players that attend small Christian Schools that does not have a basketball team.
--- Homeschool teams that have players that are too old by National’s eligibility rules but are within their state guidelines. (a number of states have a July1st cut off)
--- Homeschool teams that request a hardship exemption from another guideline or rule.

4) Seeding Through Automatic Bids
Teams will have to qualify for Division 1 -- Here are a list of the boys and girls 18 & under teams that will receive an automatic bids this year to Division 1:

Girls 18 & Under Division 1 automatic bids:
Texas Top 9 (not based on State Tournament)
Gateway Regional Top 9
Nashville Regional Top 3
Cincinnati Regional Top 3
Colorado State Top 1
Arkansas State Top 1
Indiana State Top 1
Nebraska State Top 1
Illinois State Top 1
3 at large bids

Boys 18 & Under Division 1 automatic bids:
Texas 5 (not based on State Tournament)
Gateway Regional Top 5
Michigan State Tournament Top 2
Cincinnati Regional Top 2
Nashville Regional Top 2
Illinois State Top 2
Indiana State Top 2
Arkansas State Top 1
Nebraska State Top 1
Wisconsin State Top 1
9 at large bids

The younger age divisions will be placed on previous years finish and head to head results during the year.

Future Plans – in 2009 we will be increasing the number of regional tournaments. We have begun making arrangement to host the following regional tournaments:

1) Gateway Regional -- Lebanon, MO
2) Red River Regional – Shreveport, LA
3) Indianapolis
4) Omaha, NE
5) Atlanta GA
6) Austin, TX
We hope to announce the official dates for next season’s Regionals by Nationals. The long term goal is to have a minimum of 8 regional tournaments that will be the way that all teams earn their automatic bid for Division 1.

5) Staggered Game schedule
The boys and girls 10 & 12 age groups will play their games Tuesday- Friday. Their Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday at 3:00PM.
The boys and girls 14 age groups will play their games Tuesday- Saturday. Their Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday at 3:00PM.
The boys and girls 16 age groups will play their games Monday –Friday. Their Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday at 7:00PM.
The boys and girls 18 age groups will play their games Monday –Saturday (Wednesday off). Their Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday at 7:00PM.

I hope this will give you plenty to look forward to as you prepare to atten,d Nationals.