FAQs
Q: WHAT IS THE NORTH METRO BLAZERS PROGRAM?
A: The North Metro Blazers is a board-run homeschool basketball program for boys and girls in middle school and high school.
Q: WHAT IS THE NORTH METRO BLAZERS MISSION?
A: The North Metro Blazers program exists to provide homeschool student athletes an opportunity to use their athletic abilities at the varsity, junior varstiy and middle school level.
At the Middle School and Junior Varsity, our basketball specific priorities are:
- Player development
- Play a competitive game
And at the Varsity level, as our players are more experienced, our priorities are:
- Play a competitive game
- Player development
Q: WHAT ARE THE SEASON DATES?
A: Practices typically begin in November and the first games are in early December. The JV and junior high teams are finished with their season after the third week of February. The varsity teams continue into mid-March in order to play end-of-season tournaments.
Q: DO THE TEAMS PLAY OUT OF TOWN GAMES?
A: This depends on the team level at which the athlete plays.
- The middle school teams typically play other middle school teams in the metro area. (It is possble to have a middle shool game outside of the metro area, but this is rare and travel is usually less than 2 hours way.)
- The majority of JV teams play local teams (under 2 hours away), however there may be a select few times we go out of state (WI, IA). At this time, we do not have separate JV and Varsity girls teams, if this continues from year to year, the coach may determine they are ready to attend Regional and National tournaments which would be overnight stays.
- The Varsity teams will also play a number of local teams (under 2 hours away); however, they have a couple tournaments that will be on Friday and Saturday with up to two end of season tournaments that are multiple night trips.
The goal of the organization is to provide the ability for families to be home on Wednesday nights and Sundays, as much as possible.
Q: WHERE DO THE TEAMS PRACTICE AND PLAY GAMES?
A: Home Games will always be held at the Free Lutheran Bible College - Student Life Center, 3134 E Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55441
B: Practices, due to capacity constraints for the 2024-2025 season,
- Boys Varsity/JV & Girls JV/MS will practice at the Free Lutheran Bible College location
- Boys Middle School will practice at the Free Lutheran Bible College location 1 time per week and 2 times per week at the Church of the Open Door facility 9060 Zanzibar Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55311
Q: AM I EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER?
A: Yes! North Metro Blazers is a basketball coop that is run entirely by parent volunteers. Everyone is expected to help. There are many different ways to participate in the program which is great way to support the team as well as get to know other homeschool families.
Q: WHEN DO THE TEAMS PRACTICE?
A: Please see the Practice Schedule page to see the times and locations. It is encouraged to talk with other parents (and possibly players) to work out carpooling arrangements.
Q: IS MY CHILD GUARANTEED TO PLAY?
A: The North Metro Blazer program's intent is to play competitive basketball, so playing time is not guaranteed.
Q: ARE THERE ADMISSION FEES FOR HOME GAMES?
A: Yes, there are fees for entry into home games. However, North Metro Blazer athletes' immediate family will be admitted without cost.
Q: ARE THERE SEASON END TOURNAMENTS?
A: Yes! The JV and Varsity girls and boys teams will play in 1 or possibly both of the Regional and National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships.
Q: ARE PARENTS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO ALL TOURNAMENTS?
A: There is not a requirement for parents to travel to all tournaments; however, it is the parents' responsibility to make arrangements for their athlete if they will not be traveling with them. There are a number of families who generously support one another with supervision, so it is encouraged to talk with others and work out a specific plan. It is NOT the responsibility of the coaches to make these arrangements!
Q: AT WHAT TEAM LEVEL WILL MY CHILD PLAY?
A: That depends on the athlete. However, first year players will typically play on the Jr High or JV teams. Placement on the Varsity teams is at the coaches' discretion.
Q: WHAT DO THE PROGRAM FEES COVER?
A: The program fees cover the costs of gym rental for practice and games, officials for home games, team fees for most tournaments, and program insurance.
NOTE: The fee for the Christian Homeschool NATIONAL Tournament in March is not paid for by the North Metro Blazers.
Q: HOW ARE CONCERNS ADDRESSED?
A: If the concerns are related to a specific team, the athlete is encouraged to speak with the coach of that team. If the concern is related to the program, the individual is encouraged to speak with a board member or email HERE.