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  • ​We will offer four different programs for the 23-24 season: a Fundamentals program, a Grade School 8u, 10u & 12u program, a Junior High 14u program, and a High School program (16u, 18u).

  • Each program (except for the Fundamentals program) practices twice per week for two hours during the season.

  • Practices will begin in October and run through late February.

  • The Grade School 8u, 10u, 12u and Junior High 14u programs will play games in a local league and a few games/tournaments against other homeschool programs. The 8u, 10u, 12u program typically plays 15-20 games per season. The 14u program typically plays 20-25 games per season.

  • The High School 16u/18u program will compete against other homeschool programs in the Midwest at both the 16u and 18u level. Both the 16u and 18u high school teams typically plays 25-35 games, depending on player's skill level and participating families desire for travel. 

  • Games for 8u, 10u, 12u and 14u teams typically begin in October. Games for both 16u and 18u High School teams typically begin in November.

  • High School 16u and 18u players will travel to play other homeschool teams in the Midwest 2-5 times per season, depending on player's skill level and participating families desire for travel. 

  • High School 16u and 18u teams will also participate in an End-of-Season Regional/National tournament (NCHC Regionals/Nationals, or NDII Tournament) in late February/early March as part of their regular season. 

  • In addition to the "regular basketball season" practices, games and tournaments, Omaha Lightning sometimes take a 12u team and/or a 14u team to participate in a regional or national homeschool basketball tournament in late February/early March. Participation in the regional or national homeschool basketball tournament is NOT part of the "regular season" for 12u or 14u players. Participation is by coach invitation... we think of this like an Omaha Lightning "All Star" team experience for grade school and junior high players. 

What Our 23-24 Basketball
Season Will Look Like

More Details on our Programs

-Fundamentals Program-

Does your son want to learn the fundamentals of basketball? Not sure basketball is for him, but want to test the waters? Lightning Fundamentals may be just right for you. The Lightning Fundamentals program will meet one hour per week for 8 weeks to focus on learning the fundamentals of basketball. Each practice will include instruction designed to teach players the basic fundamentals of the game in a fun and effective way. In addition to instruction, each practice will also include some intra-squad competitions to put the skills your son will be learning into play. This 8 week program will complete with at least 1 competitive game.

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-8u, 10u & 12u (Grade School)-

The Grade School teams are divided up further into 7/8 year olds (8u),10 and under (10U) and 12 and under (12U) teams. These teams play in local Omaha leagues and some games/tournaments against other home school programs. Grade school will play approximately 15-20 games. Games begin in mid-October and wrap up with tournament play in late February. 

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-14u (Junior High)-

The Junior High program consists of boys ages 14 and under (14U) and is sometimes divided into two teams if numbers are large to ensure playing time for everyone involved. Junior High teams play in local leagues and some games/tournaments against other home school programs. Junior High typically plays 20-25 games per season. Games begin in mid-October and will wrap up with tournament play in February. 

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-16u & 18u (High School)-

Being a competitive high school program, players on our high school 16u and 18 teams are encouraged to continue to solidify their fundamental basketball skills while exploring the competitive benefits of physical conditioning and team skills that are needed to compete against other home school organizations throughout the Midwest. Both 16u and 18u teams will participate in 2-5 out of town tournaments, depending on the skill level of the players and the desires of the families involved. High School teams typically play 25-35 games per season. Games begin in November and are scheduled against other local homeschool teams, as well as teams from around the Midwest. (Nebraska State Activities Association rules do not allow high school aged homeschool teams to play any private or public school teams. Therefore, it should be understood that some travel will be required for high school aged players. Decisions on how much travel and when to travel are ALWAYS made in consultation with parents/families, coaches and players.) 16u and 18u teams end their season by representing the Lightning program at a regional or national homeschool basketball tournament in late February/early March. Again, the decision about which end of season regional or national tournament the 16u and 18u teams will participate in is ALWAYS made in consultation with parents/families, coaches and players. 

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-12u and 14u "All Star" Teams-

Omaha Lightning sometimes takes a 12u team and/or a 14u team to participate in a regional or national homeschool basketball tournament in late February or early March. Participation in this tournament is outside the "regular basketball season" experience and is by coaches invitation. Coaches will invite 12u and/or 14u players to participate in this regional/national tournament based upon their skill level and the development they have demonstrated throughout the regular basketball season. Another way to think of this... most youth baseball leagues have an "all star" team that plays after the regular season is over against "all stars" from other leagues. The 12u and/or 14u players that participate in the regional or national homeschool basketball tournament in late February/early March are considered our "all stars" and represent our program at the regional or national homeschool end-of- season tournaments at the 12u and 14u levels.  

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-Program Pricing-

*The pricing information below is for reference purposes only to give families an idea of the costs involved with playing on a Lightning team. Prices for the 23-24 basketball season may be slightly different than the examples below as the Lightning Board creates their 23-24 season budget and reacts to increases in costs for gym space, game/tournament entrance fees and all other aspects of the program. 

Lightning Fundamentals Program - $70

Grade School Program (10u & 12u) - $350

Junior High 14u Program - $350

High School 18u Program - $500

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