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Welcome to Cincinnati Trailblazer Basketball

About Us

WHO WE ARE
We are basketball program made up of homeschool students in the Greater Cincinnati area
 
WHAT WE ARE NOT
We are not a program of select teams or of AAU teams

WHO DO WE PLAY
We compete against public, private and charter school teams-as well as other homeschool teams

WHAT TEAMS DO WE HAVE
We have teams for girls and boys

10U-
Early Elementary (For players ages 8-10 and in grades 3 and 4)
12U-Elementary (For players ages 11-12 and in grades 5 and 6)
14U-Junior High (For players ages 13-14 and in grades 7 and 8)
16U-Junior Varsity (For players ages 15-16 and in high school)
18U-Varsity (For players ages 17-19 and in high school)

Cheer-
Varsity (For girls ages 14-19)

Gold-Special Needs (For players ages 3-30 with mild cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other developmental delays)


WHO CAN PLAY FOR US
 
Homeschool requirements

  • Players must be Homeschooled which is defined as the student’s education is parent-directed and done at home

  • The Cincinnati Trailblazers follow the guidelines set by the NCHC (National Christian Homeschool Conference) and those guidelines can be found at https://www.nchclive.com/guidelines/

Age requirements

  • Players who are between 8 years of age and 19 years of age (see next bullet point for age determination)

  • A player’s age is determined by an August 1 cut-off date (ie. a player who is 12 years old on July 31st and turns 13 on August 1st is eligible to play on the 12U team)

  • Players are permitted to participate on teams of a higher age group

Trailblazer Season Information

Facility

We use Queen City Sportsplex as our home facility

 

Evaluations

Players are evaluated and placed on teams that best suit them and the program
August 21, 2025
8 to 12 year olds 4:30-5:30pm
13 to 19 year olds 5:30-6:30pm

Coaches also evaluate players at Open Gyms, at Clinics, and at Camps-if none of these are available, arrangements can be made

 

Uniform Fitting and Order

Boys purchase their uniforms and Girls borrow their uniforms from the Trailblazers 

Fitting and Order (Boys)
August 21, 2025
5:00-6:00pm

Fitting (Girls)
Time and Date TBD


Parent Meeting and Fundraising

Meeting with AD and Vertical Raise Fundraiser (at Greenhills Commons)
August 26, 2025
6:00-7:30pm


Season

 The season begins on October 16, 2025 and ends on March 20, 2026.


Practices

Practice days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday-the number of practices a week depends on age group (10U and 12U practice two days, 14U practices three days, 16U and 18U girls practice three days and 16U and 18U boys practice four days)


Costs

There is a Fundraiser, Payment Plan, Early Bird Registration and Financial Aid (if you need it) to assist with the Team Fees.
Team Fees (Girls and Boys)
18U $925
16U $825
14U $625
12U $475
10U $325
Early Bird Registration is available the June 1 thru June 30 and provides a $50 discount on Team Fee

Uniform (Boys)
$155 (10U, 12U, and 14U)
$190 (16U and 18U)

Practice Jersey (Girls and Boys)
$30

NCHC Fees (NCHC Fees not included in Team Fees)
Regionals (All Players)
$20
Nationals (16U and 18U Players Only)
$30


Trailblazer Team Information

10U Teams
First Practice-October 21, 2025
Last Game-February 21, 2026

Practices
Two days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays)
4:30-6:00pm

Games
About 20
Mostly Saturdays
Possible Sundays (we request to not be scheduled on Sundays, but if the league must, then not before 1pm)

Travel
Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Columbus IN, Dayton OH (Possible away games with Homeschool teams-usually on a Saturday)

Overnight Travel
Regional Tournament in Indianapolis
Wednesday-Friday February 25-27, 2026


12U Teams
First Practice-October 21, 2025
Last Game-February 21, 2026

Practices
Two days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays)
4:30-6:00pm

Games
About 20
Mostly Saturdays
Possible Sundays (we request to not be scheduled on Sundays, but if the league must, then not before 1pm)

Travel
Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Columbus IN, Dayton OH (Possible away games with Homeschool teams-usually on a Saturday)

Overnight Travel
Regional Tournament in Indianapolis
Wednesday-Friday February 25-27, 2026


14U Teams
First Practice-October 20, 2025
Last Game-February 21, 2026

Practices
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
4:30-6:00pm

Games
About 25
Possible Sundays (we request to not be scheduled on Sundays, but if the league must, then not before 1pm)

Travel
Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Columbus IN, Dayton OH (Possible away games with Homeschool teams-usually on a Saturday)

Overnight Travel
Regional Tournament in Indianapolis
Wednesday-Friday February 25-27, 2026


16U Teams
First Practice-October 16, 2025
Last Game-March 13, 2026

Practices
Girls (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays)
4:00-6:00pm
Boys (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday)
4:30-6:00pm

Games
About 30

Travel
Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Columbus IN, Dayton OH (Possible away games with Homeschool teams-usually on a Saturday)

Overnight Travel
Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday-Friday February 25-27, 2026

National Tournament in Springfield, MO
Monday-Friday March 9-13, 2026


18U Teams
First Practice-October 16, 2025
Last Game-March 13, 2026

Practices
Girls (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays)
4:00-6:00pm
Boys (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday)
4:30-6:00pm

Games
About 40

Travel
Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Columbus IN, Dayton OH (Possible away games with Homeschool teams-usually on a Saturday)

Overnight Travel
MCHC in Lafayette, IN
Friday and Saturday December 5-6, 2025
Friday and Saturday January 2-3, 2026
Friday and Saturday January 23-24, 2026

Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday-Friday February 25-27, 2026

National Tournament in Springfield, MO
Monday-Friday March 9-13, 2026


Gold Team
First Practice-November 6, 2025
Last Event-February 12, 2026 (Gold Nite)

Practices
Thursdays 
3:00-4:00pm

Trailblazer Gold team is made up of players with mild cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other developmental delays who are matched up with coaches (current and former Cincinnati Trailblazer basketball players)

The Gold Team is organized by Jane Ruwe
[email protected]
513-314-1542

League Information

NCHBC (National Christian Homeschool Basketball Conference)

NCHBC Regionals
For all girls and boys teams
 

NCHBC Nationals
For 16U and 18U girls and boys teams



MCHC (Midwest Christian Homeschool Conference)

For 16U and 18U girls and boys teams


CPYBL (Cincinnati Premier Youth Basketball League)
For 10U, 12U and 14U girls and boys teams 

 

Registration


2025-2026 

Basketball Season Registration is here

CPYBL (Cincinnati Premier Youth Basketball League registration is here

Cheer registration is here

Gold Team registration for players and coaches is here


Summer Information

SUMMER PRACTICE (15-18 year olds)


Summer practices are for players ages 15–18 and held Tuesdays and Thursdays in June from 4:30–6:00pm at Queen City Sportsplex. These practices focus mostly on conditioning, introducing some pieces of the offensive and defensive systems, and competitive team drills. Led by our coaching staff, the practices are designed for athletes committed to improving their game and preparing for the upcoming season. With an emphasis on consistency, effort, and growth, players will strengthen their skills and team chemistry in a high-intensity, supportive environment.


SHOOTOUTS (15-18 year olds)


18U Boys

On June 21, 2025, the Varsity team will travel to Wittenberg University for a summer showcase event—an exciting opportunity to compete on a collegiate campus and experience a high-level basketball atmosphere. This event will feature no less than four games against other High School teams that challenge players and expose them to the coming expectations and possibilities for the next season. Held in Wittenberg’s newly renovated arena and gymnasium – a total of 5 full size courts in Springfield Ohio. This showcase emphasizes team performance, development, and representing our program with excellence.


16U Boys

The Junior Varsity team will participate in a competitive shootout on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Madison High School in Middletown Ohio . This event offers a valuable opportunity for our JV players to engage in high-level competition, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and game experience. The shootout will feature multiple games throughout the day. Coaches will be present to provide guidance and feedback, emphasizing growth and preparation for the upcoming season.


ELITE SUMMER LEAGUE (15-18 year olds)


The Elite Summer League is for high school players ages 15–18, held every Wednesday in June at the Elite Athletics Sports Complex in Batavia, Ohio. Participation is by invitation only from Head Coach Kaleb Yurchak.  The Elite Summer League offers a competitive environment and will provide game experience, team play, and continued development opportunities for growth, evaluation, and preparation for the upcoming season.


SUMMER BLAZE (7-13 year olds)


Summer Blaze is a three-day basketball camp in the last week of June designed to help young athletes (ages 7–13) strengthen their fundamental skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Campers will receive individual attention from our experienced coaching staff as well as mentorship from our Varsity players. Throughout the camp, players will be taught the essential techniques of shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense—all while building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game.


SKILLS AND DRILLS (7-13 year olds)


Skills and Drills is a weekly training program every Tuesday in July and August at Queen City Sportsplex, for players ages 7–13, focused on building strong basketball fundamentals through consistent, high-energy instruction. Each one-hour session is designed to develop core skills—such as shooting, ball-handling, footwork, and passing—through repetition and detailed coaching. Led by our experienced staff, these sessions emphasize discipline, improvement, and individual growth, helping young athletes build a solid foundation in the game.


OPEN GYMS (15-18 year olds)


Open Gyms are weekly basketball sessions for players ages 15–18, providing a chance to compete, stay sharp,  and enjoy the game during the summer months. Held every Tuesday in July and August at Queen City Sportsplex, these two-hour sessions offer structured yet informal opportunities for high school athletes to scrimmage, work on their skills, and build chemistry with other players. Coaches will be present to supervise and facilitate, but the focus is on player-led development.


Questions About Trailblazer Basketball

Athletic Director

David Strasser

[email protected]

 


 

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