Youth Basketball in Overland Park
Youth Basketball Leagues & Camps
Hit the Court
Looking for youth basketball in Overland Park? Blue Valley Rec is the smart choice, offering leagues for players in grades PreK through 12. Whether your child is just starting out or ready for more competition, our programs help athletes build skills in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Best of all, teams are formed from players at the same schools whenever possible, making it easy to stay connected with friends. In addition, leagues are offered year-round, giving families the flexibility to play when it fits their schedule. For even more development, our basketball camps deliver quality instruction that helps campers grow their game—and make new friends along the way.
Youth Basketball
More Than a Chance to Play
Youth basketball offers more than just a chance to play—it helps kids grow on and off the court. To begin with, basketball helps build strength, improve coordination, and promote overall health. Additionally, it teaches teamwork, communication, and discipline—skills that benefit children in school and everyday life. As players practice and compete, they also boost their confidence and learn the value of perseverance. In short, youth basketball is a fun and active way for kids to stay healthy while developing important life skills.
Winter Youth Basketball
- Grades PreK to 12
November – March
Open to all players in grades PreK through 12 during the current academic year, this program welcomes players who either live within or attend school in the Blue Valley School District. Furthermore, we are committed to upholding high standards for both coaches and parents, recognizing their important role as positive role models for our youth.
Summer Basketball
- Grades 2 to 8
May – July
Designed for players in grades 2–8 during the current academic year, this recreational 5 vs 5 basketball league offers a fun and low-pressure environment for players of all skill levels. The season begins at the end of May and runs through July, featuring eight games and one preseason practice. Unlike competitive leagues, there are no standings or post-season tournaments—just a focus on skill development and teamwork. Games take place on weekday evenings, Monday through Friday, making it easy to fit into summer schedules. Please note: this league is for team registration only.
Fall Basketball
- Grades K to 8
August – October
To begin with, teams are formed based on grade level for the current academic year. Each team will play eight games over the course of eight weeks. The regular season tips off in late August and wraps up by mid-October, offering a consistent and structured schedule for players and families alike.
High School League
- Grades 9-12
January – March
This league is exclusively open to Blue Valley residents who are not members of their high school’s basketball team. Registration begins mid-October; therefore, interested teams are encouraged to sign up early. Keep in mind, the registration deadline is the first week in December. Please note: this is team registration only.
Basketball Camps
- Ages 3 to 14
Level Up Your Game
Looking to sharpen your skills, try something new, or just have fun on the court? Blue Valley Rec basketball camps are the perfect place to do it all. Whether you’re new to the game or aiming to improve, our camps offer a supportive, high-energy atmosphere where young athletes can grow. In addition to skill development, campers build confidence, make new friends, and learn the value of teamwork.
Tournaments
- Grades 2 to 7
Preseason Tournament
This 5v5 tournament features divisions for grades 2–7. Open to both competitive and recreational teams, the event welcomes players of all skill levels. Moreover, awards will be presented to both the champion and runner-up teams. Each team is guaranteed three games, making it a great opportunity for fun, development, and competition.
Postseason Tournament
As the regular season wraps up, get ready to bring the energy to the court one more time! Blue Valley Rec’s postseason basketball tournament is the perfect way to end the season on a high note. Included as part of the league experience, this exciting tournament gives teams a chance to compete for bragging rights and show how far they’ve come.
Learn More About Blue Valley Rec Basketball
responsibilities
This committee supports areas requiring programming recommendations and administrative review. It is composed of an odd number of members—at minimum, three—each serving three-year terms.
Specifically, the committee:
- Conducts interviews and selects coaches
- Deliberates and acts on formal protests
- Reviews rules, policies, post-season evaluations, and surveys
- Recommends changes for staff consideration
- Evaluates and advises on special requests from parents or players regarding team changes
- Holds hearings on incidents—as defined in the current Official Rules and Policies Handbook—and recommends appropriate actions
Through these responsibilities, the committee plays a vital role in ensuring program integrity, fairness, and continuous improvement.
Current Council Members
- Jason Porterfield (8/31/25)
- Tom Hickey (8/31/25)
- Adam Brahl (8/31/24)
- Jeff Eckert (8/31/24)
- Mark Ekstrand (8/31/24)
- Kyndal Clark (8/31/26)
- Jon Lewis (8/31/26)
The Role of Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship plays a foundational role in youth sports, going far beyond the final score. It fosters character development, emotional growth, and a positive team environment—values that benefit young athletes both on and off the field. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Builds Character and Integrity – To begin with, practicing good sportsmanship teaches respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. Moreover, it instills honesty, humility in victory, and grace in defeat—all of which contribute to shaping a child’s moral compass.
- Encourages Respect and Teamwork – When athletes demonstrate sportsmanship, they begin to appreciate the contributions of others, communicate more effectively, and prioritize team goals over individual recognition. As a result, this behavior fosters mutual respect and significantly strengthens team cohesion.
- Promotes Emotional Control and Resilience – While youth sports can often be competitive and emotionally charged, sportsmanship plays a vital role in helping players navigate these challenges. Specifically, it encourages them to manage frustration, recover from setbacks, and approach adversity with maturity—ultimately equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the game.
- Creates a Positive Playing Environment – Although youth sports can be both competitive and emotionally intense, sportsmanship provides a framework for managing those pressures. In particular, it helps players control frustration, recover from setbacks, and face adversity with maturity. Consequently, these skills prove valuable not just in sports, but in many areas of life.
- Reinforces Lifelong Values – Ultimately, the habits developed through sportsmanship—such as fairness, accountability, and perseverance—stick with young athletes long after their playing days are over.
In short, sportsmanship transforms youth sports into a powerful vehicle for personal growth, community building, and lifelong learning.
Resources
- Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns (Fall 2023)
- Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns and Chris Tallent (Spring 2024)
- Beware of the Poor Sportsmanship Traps (Enjoy the Game)
POLICY
Blue Valley Rec and its partners reserve the right to use all photographs and video footage of participants for promotional purposes. Specifically, this includes materials used in print, digital media, advertisements, and social media promotions. Moreover, drone footage is also included under this policy.
Waiver
In addition, by participating in our programs or events, individuals acknowledge and accept the potential use of their image for marketing purposes. As a result, these visuals help us showcase the energy and excitement of our leagues and activities across various platforms.
