Trumbull County Basketball Academy

Q: What is Spring basketball, A.A.U. style basketball?
A: It is weekend tournament basketball. Players come from various schools,  players in grades 7-11 from Ohio are restricted by the O.H.S.A.A. to three players per school- new in 2023, Pennsylvania players are not restricted by this rule. The season lasts about 12-weeks, the teams play 5-8 tournaments which is approximately 25-30 games. Teams usually practice 2-times per week or more so the players have about 50+ times on the basketball court with games and practices,  or about $ 6.00 per court session when you break it down $$ wise.

Q: Who coaches these teams?
A: O.H.S.A.A. rules have been relaxed making it possible it for high school and junior high school coaches to coach off season basketball teams in Ohio. We do actively recruit Pennsylvania coaches were rules are less restrictive. T.C.B.A. uses retired and ex-coaches,  parents and volunteer coaches to coach our teams. We do have all our T.C.B.A./ Ohio Lakers coaches go through a training session each season. The majority of our coaches are in multiple years of coaching for the T.C.B.A./ Ohio Lakers Spring basketball is not instructional basketball. The coaches do not have time to teach fundamentals. The coaches will review fundamentals but need to spend time on offense/defense and game situations. We use ex-high school players from Py. Valley, Ursuline, Girard and Hubbard and throughout the Mahoning Valley. 

Q: Is there a cost? Why?
A: Yes, for 2024 it is $325.00 please check the fee sheet on our web-link. We base our cost on 10 players per team. When we have less players on a team we can actually loose money. We do not receive any money from your purchase of gear and clothing. The uniform cost is passed directly onto you at the cost from our supplier which is $65 per uniform. The uniform does not need to be purchased for the 2024 season.  The basic uniform package includes a black and gold custom jersey and shorts. If a team only has 9-players they will play one less tournament (6) instead of (7) if they have 11 players they will be given and additional tournament (8) instead of (7) and so on. 
 
Q: I play spring sports, can I still play Spring basketball?
A: YES, Spring basketball is set up so that you can do this. Most practices are either at night, or on Sunday, times and dates you typically do not have school games or practices. Yes, there are some conflicts and times you will need to miss a spring basketball practice, this is the exception not the rule. Our coaches all realize top athletes play multiple sports and at times do have a conflict.

Q: Will Spring A.A.U. style basketball get me a college scholarship?
A: Unfortunately the answer is NO, but your skills will improve, you will gain exposure playing in state wide tournaments, meet new people and most importantly have fun.

Please contact Coach Konczal if you have any questions about TCBA/ Ohio Lakers  Dave Konczal at lakerbasketballkonczal@gmail.com or (330) 503-7132.