The traveling program is designed for committed, dedicated student athletes wishing to play competitive basketball against teams from other metro communities. Traveling teams typically play in approximately ten tournaments. Tournament play begins in early November and ends in mid-March. Players not selected for a traveling team are automatically enrolled in the EBA House League. The following is an overview of the Traveling program.

Time Commitment

Traveling basketball requires dedication and commitment. Parents are urged to consider their family’s schedule and potential conflicts before allowing their child to try out for a traveling team. Practice and tournament attendance is mandatory in accordance with EBA Policies. Teams practice, on average, for 90 minutes twice each week at Edina gyms. A tournament typically involves 3 to 4 games in a weekend. Tournaments do schedule Friday night games, although this is more common for boys traveling teams.

Tryouts

The tryout process is conducted by hired evaluators not affiliated with the EBA. Coaches have additional input on team selection in accordance with EBA Policies. The tryout process results in the selection of teams at A, B, and C levels. Occasionally, teams are formed at a combined B/C level. Grade 5 will have 3-4 teams to accommodate all players that tryout. Grades 6-8 will have up to 3 teams. Players trying out in grades 6-8 are not guaranteed they will be selected for a team. Teams typically consist of 8-10 players.

Playing Time

Equal playing time is not guaranteed under EBA Policies. In order for our teams to be competitive, coaches must control playing time as a component of game strategy.

Coaches

The EBA hires experienced non-parent coaches for traveling teams in grades 6-8. Grade 5 uses a mixture of paid coaches and non-paid parent coaches in accordance with EBA Policies.

Edina Classic Basketball Tournaments

Each year the EBA proudly presents an invitational boys and girls tournament on separate weekends. The tournaments are essential to the EBA and generate funds necessary to make the traveling program affordable to Edina families. Parent participation in running the tournaments is mandatory.

St. Cloud Tournament

Near the end of the season, every EBA team travels to St. Cloud for a boys and girls tournament. The tournament experience is celebrated by our own silent auction and social hour. This special weekend is an EBA tradition.