Basketball

The Ark Basketball program is designed to help athletes grow as players and as people. Through teams, training, camps, clinics, leagues, open gyms, and player development opportunities, we help athletes build Christlike character, develop a love for the game, and pursue their maximum potential.

Whether your athlete is brand new to basketball, preparing for school or travel teams, or pursuing high-level exposure opportunities, The Ark provides a clear pathway for growth.

Upcoming Events

Find what you’re looking for:

  • Create an account, explore upcoming basketball opportunities, and find the best starting point for your athlete.

    Start Here

  • Choose from group training, individual training, private sessions, camps, clinics, shooting machine access, and open gym opportunities.

    View Training Options

  • Explore league teams, local tournament teams, New Balance Circuit teams, 3v3 leagues, tryouts, and upcoming basketball events.

    View Team Options

Find the right path:

We built the basketball program to give families multiple pathways based on age, skill level, commitment level, goals, and season of life.

  • For elite-level athletes who are striving to play at the highest level of competition, travel nationally, gain exposure, and pursue college basketball opportunities.

    These teams are highly selective and designed for players who are ready for a significant commitment.

    Best fit for:

    • Elite-level players

    • Athletes pursuing college exposure

    • Families prepared for national travel

    • Players ready for the highest level of competition

    Age range:

    • 5th grade through high school

    Team structure:

    • Maximum of 2 teams per age group

    » View New Balance Team Info

    » Register for Tryouts

  • For competitive athletes who want to prioritize basketball in the offseason and compete in strong local and regional events.

    These teams are a strong fit for players who are not quite ready for national travel or national competition but still want a serious team environment.

    Best fit for:

    • Competitive and elite-level athletes

    • Players focused on basketball development

    • Families looking for local and regional competition

    • Athletes preparing for higher-level opportunities

    Age range:

    • 5th through 8th grade

    Team structure:

    • Maximum of 3 teams per age group

    » View Local Tournament Team Info

    » Register for Tryouts

  • For players who want a quality team experience with a lighter time commitment. League teams are often a great fit for multi-sport athletes, beginners, developing players, or athletes getting introduced to travel basketball.

    Best fit for:

    • Beginner, developing, competitive, and advanced players

    • Multi-sport athletes

    • Families looking for a manageable schedule

    • Players new to the travel basketball environment

    Age range:

    • 1st grade through high school

    Team structure:

    • Maximum of 6 teams per age group

    » View League Team Info

    » Register for Tryouts

  • Training at The Ark helps athletes build skill, confidence, decision-making, and competitive habits.

    Training options may include:

    • Group training

    • Individual training

    • Private training

    • Camps

    • Clinics

    • Shooting machine access

    • Open gyms

    • Position-specific skill work

    • Tryout preparation

    Our training is built to help players improve their fundamentals, sharpen their game, and grow in confidence while being challenged in a positive, competitive environment.

    » Register for Training

  • The Ark Basketball calendar includes opportunities throughout the year for athletes to train, compete, and stay engaged.

    Offerings may include:

    • Seasonal camps

    • Skill clinics

    • 3v3 leagues

    • Open gyms

    • Shooting machine access

    • Tryout prep opportunities

    • Team evaluations

    • Special events

    Families should check this page often for upcoming dates, registration deadlines, and new basketball opportunities.

    » View Upcoming Events

What Makes Us Different

The Ark Basketball program is more than a place to play games. It is a full development environment.

Athletes can train, compete on teams, build strength, grow in leadership, participate in service opportunities, and be developed as people, all under one roof.

What makes the program different:

  • A clear pathway for every level of athlete

  • Teams for different commitment levels and goals

  • High-level training and player development

  • Strength and conditioning access

  • Leadership development

  • Service opportunities

  • Mission trip opportunities

  • A Christ-centered culture

  • A staff committed to helping athletes grow on and off the court

Our Philosophy

We want athletes to grow in three major ways.

Christlike Character

Basketball gives athletes daily opportunities to grow in humility, discipline, toughness, leadership, service, and selflessness. We want athletes to understand that who they become matters more than what they accomplish.

Love for the Game

We want athletes to enjoy the process of improving. Training should be challenging, competitive, and fun. Teams should create friendships, memories, and a deeper passion for the game.

Maximum Potential

Every athlete has a next step. Our goal is to teach, develop, and equip players so they can pursue their highest potential with consistency, confidence, and purpose.

Common Questions

What is the best first step for a new family?

Start by creating an account, then choose the opportunity that best fits your athlete: training, camp, clinic, tryout, league, or team registration.

How do I know which team level is right for my athlete?

League teams are typically the best fit for players who need a lighter commitment or are newer to travel basketball. Local tournament teams are for competitive athletes ready to prioritize basketball. New Balance Circuit teams are highly selective and built for elite players pursuing national competition and exposure.

Can beginners participate?

Yes. The Ark Basketball pathway includes options for beginners, developing players, competitive athletes, and elite-level players.

Is this only for serious basketball players?

No. Some opportunities are built for serious, high-commitment athletes, while others are designed for beginners, multi-sport athletes, or players looking for a lower-commitment experience.

Do you offer girls' and boys' basketball?

Yes. The Ark Basketball program includes boys' and girls' basketball leadership, teams, training, and development opportunities.

When are tryouts, camps, and leagues?

Important basketball dates will be listed on this page as they become available. Families should check the upcoming opportunities section for current registrations, tryout dates, camps, and league information.

Meet Ben and Laura

Ben Carlson

Boys Basketball Director

ben@thearkfacility.com

(847) 845-3328

Ben Carlson leads boys’ basketball at The Ark with a focus on player development, team culture, competitive growth, and helping athletes pursue their maximum potential on and off the court.

Laura Neal

Girls Basketball Director

laura@thearkfacility.com

(765) 465-9878

Laura Neal leads girls' basketball at The Ark with a commitment to developing athletes through strong coaching, clear communication, competitive opportunities, and a Christ-centered approach to growth.

Ready to Get Started?

The Ark Basketball program gives athletes a clear pathway to train, compete, and grow.

Create an account, view upcoming opportunities, or contact our basketball staff to find the best fit for your athlete.