What teams will the Shreveport Force Basketball teams play?
Both the Shreveport Force JV and Varsity play competitive high school basketball as part of the Northern region of the Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana (ACEL) which is composed of both homeschool and private school teams. In addition to league games, the Force also participates in various tournaments, such as The Bayou Classic State Homeschool Tournament, The National Christian HomeSchool Basketball Championships in Springfield, Missouri, and in a number of pre-season games against area private school teams.
The middle school teams play in a local league against teams from Calvary, Evangel, Providence Classical Academy, and other local schools.
How much travel is involved?
The Northern region of the ACEL includes Ruston, West Monroe, Athens, Clark, and Shreveport; therefore, travel for away games averages 2 hours both directions with one out of region game per season of significantly greater distance.
What is the time commitment to play Shreveport Force Basketball?
Each player is expected to attend all practices and games. JV and Varsity practices on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings begin in early September. Middle school practices on Monday and Thursday evenings beginning in mid-September. Pre-season play begins in mid-October. Once pre-season play begins, plan for three basketball practices or games per week. ACEL league play begins mid-November and runs through early February. The middle school league season play begins in January and ends in early March. The Shreveport Force does not practice or play games on Wednesday nights or Sundays.
How old do players have to be?
For JV and varsity, according to ACEL league rules, a player cannot be older than 19 as of September 1st of the participating year to play varsity or older than 15 as of September 1st to play JV. There is no league minimum age; however, keep in mind that this is high school level basketball. Middle school is for players age 9-13.
What is the cost?
Cost varies from year-to-year. The Shreveport Force seeks to keep its season fees as low as possible. No one in Shreveport Force basketball receives payment for his/her services, with the exception of covering overnight expenses for the coach. Registration fees cover expenses such as facility fees, referees, tournament fees, insurance, etc. High school players purchase their uniforms, which are used for multiple years.
What are the future goals of Force Basketball?
To get even more home-educated athletes and their families involved! Through our recently added middle school program, we are seeking to teach boys the game at a younger age so that our older teams become even more competitive. In 2017 our varsity team went undefeated, winning the ACEL championship, and we would like to see a repeat of that success. More importantly, we would like to continue to provide a healthy physical and spiritual environment in which homeschooled boys can thrive, creating life-long friendships.