As we’ve gathered stakeholder feedback and evaluated basketball programming in grades 4-8, we have identified some areas of opportunity to better serve our programs.
- Our school system has a unique organizational structure that allows us to provide athletic opportunities to a large population of students.
- A byproduct of that structure means that the basketball programs at MJHS draw from one grade level, which is different from most middle school athletic programs. Typically, middle school teams pull from multiple grade levels, and they sponsor both Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.
- For our 8th grade boys, participation has always been strong. We hold tryouts each year, and we usually field a team of at least twelve players.
- For our 8th grade girls, participation has been more of a challenge. Last year, in particular, we had a solid core group of girls, but, due to injuries, there were several games that required us to finish the game with four players.
- Additionally, we have spent the last few weeks as a district revisiting our commitment to....BEING...Maryville. From Kindergarten through 12th grade, we function as part of a larger tradition. We want to serve our student athletes and our athletic programs well.
In light of that, we’d like to share some program adjustments that will begin in the 22-23 basketball season.
- Montgomery Ridge and Coulter Grove 7th grade basketball teams, both girls and boys, will tryout in the next several weeks for the school-specific 7th grade teams.
- As part of that tryout, MJHS coaches, Matt Fowler (B) and Morgan Parker (G) will observe those tryouts.
- The 7th grade seasons will remain the same for both boys and girls.
- In the fall, MJHS will hold 8th grade basketball tryouts. As part of that process, MJHS coaches will potentially invite 7th grade players to join the MJHS basketball team once the 7th grade seasons conclude.
- The opportunity to join the MJHS teams is by invitation only, and an invitation is not a guarantee. Coaches will consider skill level, position need, and overall team composition.
- If an injury occurs, or if the number of players trying out for either 8th grade team does not meet the minimum required number of players, MJHS coaches will reach out to families to discuss the possibility of their student athlete moving to the MJHS team.
The goal of this adjustment is to ensure a strong feeder pattern for Maryville High School athletics, just as we do with other athletic programs we share. While this is a bit different than we’re used to, it’s done with our student athletes in mind. Player development, program sustainability, and community tradition all play a key role in this change, and we are excited about the opportunities this will provide. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Athletic Director at your student's school, or call Maryville Junior High School at 865-983-2070.
