Coach Deon Blakemore is offering Woodlands families five youth basketball leagues this fall, with spots capped at 20 players per division and registration closing Aug. 31.

The four-week leagues run at The Woodlands Methodist School FLC Gym on Lake Front Circle, serving boys and girls ages 6 through ninth grade. Girls Select tips off Friday, Sept. 4, and the four Saturday divisions begin Sept. 5, according to Woodlands Online.

Here's the full lineup:

  • Girls Young Ballers (ages 6–10) — Saturdays, 2:30–4 p.m., $175
  • Boys Young Ballers (ages 6–10) — Saturdays, 4–5:30 p.m., $175
  • Boys Elevate (grades 5–6) — Saturdays, 5:30–7 p.m., $175
  • Boys Inspire (grades 7–9) — Saturdays, 7–8:30 p.m., $175
  • Girls Select (grades 5–8) — Fridays, 7–9 p.m., $200

Spots are limited.

Each session combines structured practice with game play. Players drill fundamentals first, then compete, giving coaches a chance to see skills applied in real time. Every healthy, available player is guaranteed at least half of each game.

Teams are balanced by age, experience and readiness rather than random assignment. Blakemore said the placement approach matters as much as the coaching itself.

"I've coached enough young players to know that putting a child into the wrong environment can affect how they feel about the game," Blakemore said in the program listing. "If the competition is too advanced, a beginning player can lose confidence. If there isn't enough challenge, an experienced player may not continue growing."

The Young Ballers divisions target beginners focused on fundamentals and teamwork. Boys Elevate is built for players with some experience who want sharper decision-making, while Boys Inspire prepares seventh- through ninth-graders for school basketball with an emphasis on competition and accountability. Girls Select is the most competitive option for girls in grades 5–8.

The Saturday leagues meet Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Registration is handled online at deonblakemorebasketball.com, but divisions may close early if they hit the 20-player cap.

All games and practices take place at 1915 Lake Front Circle, The Woodlands, TX 77380.