THE RISING STARS DIFFERENCE
A LEAGUE BUILT FOR YOUTH
BASKETBALL DEVELOPMENT
The Rising Stars Developmental Basketball League is the ultimate starting point for kids ages 6 – 9 (7U + 9U) to fall in love with basketball. Run by The Lab Academy, this league focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and fun in a professionally structured and coached environment.
Parents call it Little-League for Hoops. Kids just call it FUN.
Our 10 week league blends skills building practices/clinics with weekly competitive games.
Check out a breakdown of our core philosophy.
the 4 banners of rising stars
building a strong foundation
of basketball skills
we teach the fundamentals
The Rising Stars League isn’t just a collection of weekend games — it’s a carefully crafted youth experience built by basketball professionals. From registration to the final buzzer, every detail is organized to ensure a smooth, fun, and enriching season. Our staff handles everything from team placement to scheduling and gameday logistics, so parents can relax and kids can focus on playing and learning. The result? A reliable, consistent environment where young athletes can grow on and off the court.
expert Coaching + mentorship
The Rising Stars League isn’t just a collection of weekend games — it’s a carefully crafted youth experience built by basketball professionals. From registration to the final buzzer, every detail is organized to ensure a smooth, fun, and enriching season. Our staff handles everything from team placement to scheduling and gameday logistics, so parents can relax and kids can focus on playing and learning. The result? A reliable, consistent environment where young athletes can grow on and off the court.
Court-side instruction, live scoreboard, real-game IQ.
Our experienced staff—including former college players and certified youth coaches—are positioned court-side, offering real-time guidance and positive reinforcement. Players are taught the “why” behind the game, learning fundamentals like spacing, defense, and decision-making in live scenarios. With a visible scoreboard tracking every basket, kids feel the thrill of real competition while developing their game IQ every step of the way.
Seeded brackets crown a true league champion.
There’s something magical about a playoff run, and your child gets to feel it firsthand. As the regular season wraps, teams are seeded into a structured playoff bracket, building excitement and setting the stage for championship Saturday. Every player contributes. Every basket matters. Whether your child wins it all or simply grows through the pressure, the playoff experience teaches resilience, teamwork, and pride—lessons that last long after the final buzzer.
two levels of competitve ages
keeping the league competitive
& balanced for development
Rising Stars is only just beginning, and after 2 seasons in 2025, we’ve taken in all of the data from the games and have made some improvements to the age structure. In order to get the absolute best development across the age range there will now be 2 levels of play. This will allow younger athletes (ages 6-7) who are just beginning their journeys to learn and grow together, while still making room for those who are ready to level-up to the older and more advanced level of play.
spring ‘26 schedule
Check out the Calendar of games and important dates for this Spring season with Rising Stars.
league tryouts
march 28
9am - 11am
week 1 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
april 18
9am - 11am
week 2 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
april 25
9am - 11am
week 3 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
may 2
9am - 11am
week 4 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
may 9
9am - 11am
week 5 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
may 16
9am - 11am
week 6 games
Practices Mid-week Tues + Thur 6p - 7p
may 23
9am - 11am
Playoffs
Playoff seeding will determine games
may 26 + 28
6pm - 7pm
Championships
Multiple Group Level Championship games
may 30
9am - 11am
Have Questions?
finD your answers here!
Do I need prior experience?
No—complete beginners to mini-all-stars welcome.
What gear is required?
Indoor shoes & water bottle. We supply game jersey & balls.
Practices?
Practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7pm throughout the season as group skills-clinics held specifically for Rising Stars League athletes, coached by Pro Lab Coaches.
What if my child is shy or not very confident?
That’s exactly why we created Rising Stars. Our coaches are trained to build kids’ confidence through encouragement, effort-based praise, and fun challenges that spark pride—without pressure.
How competitive is the league?
We structure games so every child gets to play and contribute. While we do crown a league champion, the emphasis is on growth, learning, and effort—not just wins. With that said, as the season progresses the referees call things tighter and the level of play increases due to the accelerated learning from the weekly practice clinics.
Are there volunteer opportunities for parents?
Yes—parents can help with scorekeeping, team snacks, or organizing end-of-season celebrations. It's a great way to be involved in your child’s sports experience.
How are players grouped?
Players are grouped by age first (7U & 9U), then balanced by skill. We conduct fun skill assessments prior to Week 1 games 1 to ensure teams are fair and your child is challenged appropriately. If you have a competitive 6 or 7 year old who would like to venture into the older group they are more than welcomed to take the challenge!
Can friends be on the same team?
We will not be allowing friends to join teams together this season. Teams will be constructed to allow for competitive and balanced play so that the kids can all learn and grow.
How are teams balanced?
Skill assessments will be held March 28th. Be sure to attend!
What is the difference between the lab & other programs?
Our academy emphasizes a holistic approach to athlete development, integrating physical training, mental health, and nutrition.
My child is new to basketball. Is this still a good fit?
Absolutely. Rising Stars is a developmental league—perfect for beginners. We focus on teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and having fun. Your child will feel included from day one.
Can parents stay and watch games?
Yes! We encourage it. All games are open to family and friends, and we offer seating plus a safe, comfortable viewing area.
What if my child misses a game or two?
While we encourage attendance, we understand that life happens. Coaches work hard to keep players engaged and caught up even if they miss a game or two. With that said, attendance helps to increase the children's skills and effectiveness during games—the program is best served by showing up and participating.
What happens after the season ends?
Many players continue training with The Lab Academy in clinics or join our seasonal camps. It’s a great way to build on what they learned and keep the momentum going.
Fill out the information below and submit your registration for the 2026 Spring Rising Stars Basketball League.
EARLY BIRD PRICING IS ACTIVE