DEERFIELD FEEDER (BOYS 3RD-8TH GRADE)
overview
The Deerfield Young Warriors (DFYW) feeder program is a basketball program for the Deerfield community that is proudly supported by the Deerfield High School Basketball leadership. Dan McKendrick, Deerfield High School Varsity Coach, supports the Deerfield Young Warriors program. The Young Warriors program offers teams for 3rd through 8th grade boys and is designed to provide players with an advanced and challenging environment to help prepare them to play competitive basketball against other local feeder programs. The Young Warriors program develops our youth basketball players on and off the court; ultimately preparing them for high school as well as growing the Deerfield Basketball Community.
We’re working more closely than ever with the Deerfield High School program
John Lyons, DFYW Founder and Director for over 30 years, handed over the day-to-day responsibilities of running the program to Billy Welcome and ALL IN Athletics in the fall of 2023. Johnny Lyons, the son of John Lyons and longtime member of the Deerfield community, is the Director of Basketball and has helped foster a tight connection to the Deerfield High School program, from X's and O's consistency to overall philosophy and values.
Introduction to DHS Basketball! -
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We practice on Deerfield High School basketball courts –– this not only offers a unique and inspiring environment but also allows players to familiarize themselves with the very courts where their high school aspirations may unfold.
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The Deerfield Feeder program is an introduction for boys to the Deerfield High School basketball program’s framework, including offense, defense, and overall philosophy and values.
Included as a Young Warriors player -
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Free Tryouts in October for the Young Warriors teams at Deerfield High School.
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Deerfield Young Warriors Night at a Deerfield High School Varsity game (Date TBD).
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Free entry to every DHS home boys basketball game for every player that wears their Young Warriors jersey or shooting shirt.
Questions: Please email deerfieldfeeder@gmail.com.
DEERFIELD YOUNG WARRIORS TEAM DETAILS
Tryouts
2025-2026 Tryout Schedule
Tryout 1: Thursday, October 16th
- 3rd & 4th Grade: 6:30-7:30pm
- 5th & 6th Grade: 7:30-8:30pm
- 7th & 8th Grade: 8:30-9:30pm
Tryout 2: Wednesday, October 22nd
- 3rd & 4th Grade: 6:30-7:30pm
- 5th & 6th Grade: 7:30-8:30pm
- 7th & 8th Grade: 8:30-9:30pm
Teams will be formed for 3rd-8th grade boys. 2nd grade boys are eligible to tryout for 3rd grade teams if they are able to shoot on a regulation size 10 foot basketball hoop.
All tryouts will be held at Deerfield High School in the Warrior Gym (1959 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015).
There is no cost to try out, but pre-registration is required. Click here to register.
Season Details
Season Dates: The feeder basketball season will start in the beginning of November & end at the beginning of March.
Practices and Games: Depending on age level, the season will consist of 25-30 practices (two practices per week) and 20-25 games (combination of league games and tournaments). Practices will be held at Deerfield High School or the Berto Center and there will be no practices the week of Thanksgiving or over the two weeks of winter break.
All 3rd-5th grade Young Warriors teams will participate in established leagues like the Play Hard Feeder League and Chicagoland Feeder League, which are exclusively open to community-based teams. 6th-8th grade teams will participate in the Play Hard Feeder League or will participate in a combination of feeder tournaments, along with individually scheduled games. The feeder season serves as a unifying time each year for players and families within the community. We are very excited for the promising future of Deerfield basketball and the positive impact a unified feeder program will have on our community.
Uniform Package
Every player will receive a high-grade reversible uniform, practice jersey and moisture management shooting shirt.
Ages
The Deerfield Young Warriors Feeder Basketball Program is open to boys in grades 3–8 (2nd graders may try out for the 3rd-grade teams). We anticipate forming at least two teams per grade level. If turnout is higher at a particular grade, additional teams will be created, with placement determined by the players who attend tryouts.
Teams will be organized according to skill level, position, and where our staff believes each player will develop best and receive the most opportunities for growth through practices and games.
Fee
The fee for the Young Warriors program is $1,225 for all players. The player fee includes a uniform, shooting shirt, practice jersey, gym fees, tournament fees, league fees, officials’ fees, coaching fees and insurance. This fee can be paid in 1, 2 or 3 installments upon acceptance of team placement after rosters are released.
The Deerfield Young Warriors Feeder Basketball Program will not deny the opportunity for any child to take part in any program due to financial hardship. You may submit an application to reduce your fees. We will keep all applications confidential. Please reach out to kelly@aiathletics.com if you are interested in applying for financial assistance.
Team rosters and schedules will be posted here after tryouts are complete.