Deerfield Feeder

Deerfield Young Warriors Basketball

The Deerfield Young Warriors (DYW) is Deerfield’s community-based feeder basketball program for boys in 3rd-8th grade. With a history spanning more than 30 years, the program provides Deerfield players with a competitive and development-focused basketball experience designed to prepare them for the next level of basketball in their community.

The Young Warriors are proudly supported by Deerfield High School Basketball and Varsity Head Coach Jack DiMatteo. The program is designed to develop players both on and off the court while building a strong foundation for those who hope to eventually represent Deerfield High School.

Players compete against other established community-based feeder programs throughout the Chicagoland area while learning the skills, concepts, habits and team-first approach that will help prepare them for high school basketball.

A Strong Connection to Deerfield High School Basketball

For more than 30 years, the Young Warriors program was led by founder and longtime director John Lyons, who built the program into an important part of the Deerfield basketball community.

In 2023, John transitioned the day-to-day operation of the program to Billy Welcome and ALL IN Athletics, beginning the next chapter of Young Warriors basketball while maintaining the program's community-based roots.

Today, Johnny Lyons, John’s son and a longtime member of the Deerfield community, serves as Director of Basketball. Under his leadership, the Young Warriors program continues to strengthen its connection with the Deerfield High School basketball program, creating a more unified pathway for Deerfield players as they develop and prepare for high school basketball.

That connection goes beyond simply preparing players to compete. Young Warriors are introduced to the terminology, offensive and defensive concepts, expectations, philosophy and values of the Deerfield High School basketball program, creating greater continuity as players progress from youth basketball toward high school.

An Introduction to DHS Basketball

• Practices at Deerfield High School & the Berto Center – Young Warriors practices are held at both Deerfield High School and the Berto Center. Practices at DHS give players the opportunity to train on the same courts where many hope to eventually compete at the high school level.
• Program Alignment – Players are introduced to concepts, terminology and principles that align with the Deerfield High School boys basketball program.
• Community Connection – The program creates opportunities for Young Warriors players to be around DHS basketball, support the varsity program and see the pathway ahead of them.
• Long-Term Development – The goal is not simply to win youth basketball games, but to develop skilled, competitive and team-oriented players who are prepared for each next step.

The Young Warriors Experience

Young Warriors players receive:

• Free Clinic with Varsity Coach, Jack DiMatteo, designed to connect Young Warriors players with the high school program.
• Free October tryouts at Deerfield High School.
• Deerfield Young Warriors Night with free admission and program recognition at a DHS Varsity Boys Basketball game.
• A pathway from youth basketball to Deerfield High School, helping players become familiar with the program, coaches and expectations before entering high school.
• The opportunity to represent Deerfield while competing against established community-based feeder programs throughout the Chicagoland area.

The Young Warriors program is about more than one season or one team. It is about building the Deerfield basketball community from 3rd grade through high school and giving local players a place to develop, compete and grow together.