West Michigan Lakers Basketball

West Michigan Laker Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions

2010

Playing for the West Michigan Lakers is a big commitment on the part of both the player and his family. We believe that each player will have the opportunity to play at a very high level. While this can be a great learning experience, It is not for all players. It is important for you and your family to understand what is all involved when participating in a program of this nature. Below are some frequently asked questions about the commitment a player and his family needs to understand before deciding to try out for the West Michigan Lakers.

What is the length of the season?

The season starts with each team having a 2 hour try-out scheduled for Sunday, March 21st for the 15's & 16's, and Monday the 22nd and Wednsday the 24th for the 17's. All players that are not playing in the MHSAA Tournament are required to attend these try out dates. 

Players still alive in the MHSAA state tournament to this point are not eligible to participate in these dates. If your high school team is still in the tournament at this point a special try-out time can be arranged. Please contact us by March 21st.

The first practice will be Tuesday, March 30th, 7pm - 9pm. A mandatory player-parent meeting will also be held on Tuesday, March 30th prior to and during team practices. the Player-Parent meeting will be from 6:30pm - 8:00pm with practices ending at 9:00pm. We will also have practice on Thursday, April 1st from 7:00pm to 9:00pm prior to taking the week of April 3rd through 10th off for spring break.

 Where, when & how long are practices?

Practice dates and times will be 2 nights per week with a start time of 7pm going between 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Practices for all 3 teams at the same time and days of the week (T & TH). Pratices will be in Holland and or Grand RapidsI area, Practice locations are as follows: TBA

How many weekend tournaments are there?

The spring season will consist of 5 to 6 tournament  weekends beginning the weekend of April 16th through May 23rd. Depending on how well our teams play, we can play anywhere between 4 and 8 games in a weekend.

All 3 teams will reconvene for a new NCAA certified event this year held July 9-11 in Grand Rapids. The 17's will play 1 to 2 more additional certified events. (see tournament schedule).

Can I play a high school spring sport and play for the WM Lakers?

Yes you can, but please look over both your schedules and make sure you do not spread yourself to thin. We encourage you to participate with your high school teams and teammates, and if on occassion you have to miss a practice or a game, with advanced notice we will excuse you. With that said, in fairness to your Laker teammates who are at all practices and game, playing time may be affected.

What is the financial costs involved?

The financial cost (Player Fees) are explained below:

17's Seniors to be: $545   (6 spring events + 2-3 ncaa certified events)

16's Juniors to be: $495  (6 spring events + 1 ncaa certiified event)

15's Sophs to be: $495 (6 spring events + 1 ncaa certified event)

Fees are dictated by the number of tournaments each team participates in. Included with the Players fees are the following:

• Seniors to be: 8-9 total tournaments  (2-3 summer NCAA events)
• Juniors to be: 7 tournaments (1 summer NCAA event)
• Sophs to be: 7 tournaments (1 summer NCAA event)
• 14 practices
• New practice jersey (players keep)
• New practice shorts (players keep)
• New warm-up jersey (players keep)
• ML quick-dri t-shirt (players keep)
• Game uniforms (return)
• Family Cook-Out at GR Storm Tournament (if sched. allows)
• Family Cook-Out at Camp Darryl Tournament (if sched. allows)

This does not include personal food or travel expenses. This year's spring tournament schedule will only involve 2 (possibly 3) overnight weekends. (Ft.Wayne, IN & Livonia, MI).

Player fees will be due and collected at the player-parent meeting on Tuesday, March 30th. All player fees are requested to be paid at this time. 

Are there fundraising opportunities to subsidize the cost?

Absolutely! The West Michigan Lakers are a 501cs (Non-profit organization). We are already confirmed for 4 poker room dates (typically generates between $1000 & $5000 per event). We also have a cookie dough fundraiser on board that has been very successful in years past as well as the possibilitiy of a lottery program. This is all in addition to the concession earnings we generate from our own tournament the Tulip Tip Off. All fundraising monies our earned based on the commitment the individual family participates. Other words, you put the time in, your family reaps the benefits of the monies generated.

Last season, several families had most if not all of their financial obligations paid for by participating in our several fundraising programs!

Summary

As we entire our ninth season, we truly understand the state of the economy and the commitment involved. With that said, this has been a tremendous expierence for so many of our past players and families. If fully committed, each player will not only have the opportunity to compete against some of the best high school competition and be coached by very good qualified coaches, but create new friends, gain self confidence, improve as a basketball player, position himself as a future collegiate player and create great memories for a lifetime.