Frequently Asked Questions - Pius X Junior Bolts Basketball

The Thunderbolts Youth Basketball Association (TYBA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization run by a Board of Directors with the Head Varsity Boys Coach at Pius X High School as the Program Director.

To incorporate our Catholic Faith in a fun refreshing way through Basketball
To develop a Pius basketball community under the direct supervision of the head boys’ varsity coach at Pius where all athletes and families are valued
Provide exceptional coaching and skill development for your athlete at a fair and reasonable price.
Keep as many kids participating in the sport for as long as possible to foster the growth of the athlete and person rather than just focusing on their current basketball skill level.
Exposure to the Pius X coaches, players and facilities to develop a feeling of community among everyone involved.

Provide families with different options for participation in basketball based on their child’s level of current interest and skill level
Skill development sessions without commitment to a team and games
Other events integrating faith and fun onto the basketball court to develop more than just basketball skills in your child
Jr Bolts Developmental-Intramural Option
- Recommended for first-time basketball athletes or those looking for a fun and recreational season of basketball.
- The goal will be to gain exposure to skill development drills during grade level practices with other kids in his age group and have opportunities to scrimmage in a controlled setting against other kids with similar skill sets.
Jr. Bolts Competitive Option
- Recommended for kids where basketball is their favorite sport and they want to play in competitive games against similar or better competition
- Travel Teams:
  - These teams will be selected by a tryout format. Tryout evaluations performed by Pius High School and Jr. Bolts coaching staffs.
  - Teams will register for the more competitive tournaments in Lincoln/Omaha and surrounding areas.
- Local Teams:
  - These teams will be formed partially based on current skill level, but also consideration of friend requests, coach requests, and giving each team a competitive team.
  - These teams will play all games in Lincoln

Family reducing cost scale paid directly to Jr Bolts Basketball

1st Child – $275
2nd Child - $200
3rd Child - $100
4th child + No Cost (max cost per family $575)

The cost of the team participation will cover jerseys, practices and all games for the season.

Developmental/Intramural Option:

Recommended for first-time basketball athletes or those looking for a fun and recreational season of basketball.
The goal will be to gain exposure to skill development drills during grade level practices with other kids in his age group and have opportunities to scrimmage in a controlled setting against other kids with similar skill sets.
8 grade level practices
- 2 grade level practices in the months of November, December, January and February
6 days of intramural scrimmages
- 3 Saturday mornings in the months of November and December +
- 3 Sundays of participation in the Leo League in Jan/February 2027
Cost: $100 paid to Jr Bolts Basketball

Competitive Teams Option

Travel Teams:
- These teams will be selected by a tryout format. Tryout evaluations performed by Pius High School and Jr. Bolts coaching staffs.
- Teams will register for tournaments in Lincoln/Omaha and surrounding areas.
Local Teams:
- These teams will be formed partially based on current skill level, but also consideration of friend requests, coach requests, and giving each team a competitive team.
- These teams will play all games in Lincoln.
All Competitive teams (local and travel) will have 2 practices per week unless otherwise requested
All Competitive teams (local and travel) can choose to register for various local leagues and tournaments that fit their schedule and skill set best. (CYBL, YMCA Spirit, Conqueror league, tournaments)
No boys will be cut—everyone will be a part of a team
Cost: reduced for the 2026-27 season to $275 paid to Jr Bolts Basketball

TYBA will rely on volunteer coaches. To keep costs as low as possible for all involved we will not have funds to pay coaches.
TYBA will have a coaching curriculum developed by the Pius varsity boys coach for the skills he would like developed at each age level and the drills he would like to use to teach these skills.
TYBA will provide coach the coaches feedback on how to help athletes at each age and stage develop at an appropriate level.

No.

TYBA teams both competitive and developmental will be offered in 2nd through 8th
Skill development sessions, Little Dribblers and 3v3 will be offered to Pre-K through 1st grade athletes

TYBA is currently only sponsoring boys teams for the upcoming season.

Most of the top performing high school programs in the state have similar youth developmental programs. These programs have shown success at developing culture and familiarity with the coaching philosophies as kids grow and advance their basketball skills.

Jr. Bolts Basketball FAQ

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