Jr Knights
Basketball
A Feeder Program for Boys Grades 5-8. Building young men of character through the game of basketball.
Built on Teaching, Not Just Coaching
The Jr Knights program was founded on a simple belief: youth basketball should be about development, not wins. Our coaching staff brings 25+ years of experience from every level of the game, from Division I to the NBA, and channels it into teaching young athletes the right way.
For Season 3, everything is included. Skills training, speed and agility, mental performance, team practices, games, and Sunday night training. No add-ons, no tiers. Every player gets the full Jr Knights experience.
If you're looking for a tournament team, this isn't the right program. We compete in one end-of-season tournament per team. The rest of the season is dedicated to getting better, developing real basketball talent, and building young men of character.
The Program Pillars
Practice > Games
True development happens on the practice court. We prioritize teaching fundamentals through a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio.
Teaching > Coaching
Our coaches are teachers of the game who understand the developmental process at every age and skill level.
Character > Winning
Commitment, teamwork, loyalty, leadership, sportsmanship, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
Mental Performance
Weekly sessions with our mental performance coach build confidence, resilience, and a champion's mindset.
Physical Development
Professional-level speed and agility training with an NBA-experienced strength coach builds complete athletes.
Full Commitment
During the season, we expect complete dedication to the program. That commitment to your teammates and coaches is what separates good teams from great ones.
Your Week as a Jr Knight
Everything is included. One program, no add-ons. Here's what a typical week looks like.
Skills Workout
Dedicated skills sessions with Coach Maniscalco focused on individual skill development, ball handling, footwork, and scoring moves.
Team Practices (2x)
Two team practices per week. One skill-based session focused on individual and small-group development. One team session focused on concepts, sets, and playing together.
Games
25-30 games over the course of the season against area competition. The place to apply what you've been working on in practice.
Sunday Night Training
Optional speed, agility, and shooting training with Coach Vitel. Open to anyone in the program. A chance to put in extra work.
Mental Performance
Classroom sessions with Coach Sullivan throughout the season, held before or after practices. Visualization, confidence, emotional regulation, and the mental side of the game.
Program Culture
One college basketball game as a program, Northridge Prep varsity games together including Opening Night, Senior Knight, and Feeder Night. Plus an end-of-season tournament for every team.
Life as a Jr Knight
@jrknightsbball
Game highlights, practice clips, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Jr Knights program.
What Parents Are Saying
“Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the mental aspect you focus on with the boys. I absolutely loved the hand out and can't tell you what a positive impact the program is having on our son.”
Jr. Knights Program Parent
Ready to Join the Jr Knights?
Season 3 tryout dates will be announced this summer. Join the interest list to be the first to know.
Join the Interest List