EHS Feeder Program BDL Open Tryouts

Madison East Youth Basketball (MEYB) is a feeder program that provides opportunities for elementary and middle school boys and girls in the Madison East High School attendance area to participate in the sport of basketball. 

This is a great opportunity for young athletes to learn directly from Madison East coaches, develop their basketball skills, and become familiar with the culture, expectations, and systems of Madison East High School basketball. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. Bring a change of shoes (non-marking gym shoes required on the gym floor), a refillable water bottle, and your WPCRC ID Card. Athletic clothing is recommended. If your participant has any allergies or medical needs, please notify staff upon arrival.

Eligibility 

Boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 who attend an elementary or middle school within the Madison East High School boundaries, and boys and girls who attend private school but reside within the Madison East boundaries.

Note: 4th grade students may inquire about eligibility but will be accepted only when space on teams is available and is subject to player ability level.

Teams 

Multiple teams per grade are formed. Teams generally consist of 9 to 11 players; team size depends on enrollment numbers.

Players are not guaranteed to make a team. We strive to have as many teams at each grade level as possible, but we are limited by coach availability, gym space for practices and games, and budget.

Coaches 

Each team will have one head coach and at least one assistant coach. Coaches will generally be parents of a team participant but may also be adults who volunteer their time to the program. All coaches are subject to background checks.

Team Selection 

Players will attend two 1.25-hour tryout sessions with players from their grade. Players will be evaluated individually by outside evaluators made up of current or former high school coaches. Players of similar skill level are placed on the same team, and teams are placed in a league based on the team's collective skill level. The goal is to put every player at the right level of competition for the fullest basketball experience.

Season 

Tryouts for girls and boys will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.  All players are expected to attend at least one of the sessions.

Girls' teams begin practice early November, with games starting a few weeks later and finishing in early February.

Boys' teams begin practice early December, with games starting shortly after the New Year and running through late February.

Note: Some teams may participate in tournaments in lieu of the Badger Development League. This decision is made by the head coach in consultation with the Executive Director and parents.

Games 

Teams will participate in the Badger Development League (BDL), a traveling basketball league based primarily in Dane County. Home games will be played at Madison East High School and Warner Park Community Recreation Center, with road games at sites selected by opponents. BDL teams include, but are not limited to, Madison Memorial/West/La Follette, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, DeForest, McFarland, Stoughton, Milton, Janesville, Verona, Monona Grove, Mount Horeb, Middleton, Lake Mills, and Mineral Point.

Fees 

Program fees will be collected after tryouts and team selection. Financial assistance is available upon request, subject to some limitations. Program fees cover:

1. Gym space for practices and BDL games
2. BDL referees
3. BDL league fees
4. Fixed overhead, such as uniforms, basketballs, insurance, and first aid kits

Coaches are unpaid volunteers. The program works to manage costs efficiently to keep fees as low as possible.

Contact 

Please address questions to:
Marquis Sanders and Zach Watson, 608-245-3690 Warner Park Community Recreation Center