For parents
AAU basketball, explained for Minnesota families
New to club hoops? Here is what a Moore H.Y.P.E. season actually costs, how tryouts work, how much you travel, and how Development differs from Elite.
- What is AAU basketball, and how is it different from school ball?
- AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball is club basketball played outside the high school season. Teams are built by age group, practice year-round and travel to weekend tournaments where college coaches watch. School ball is your daughter's team at her school; AAU is where she gets extra reps, tougher competition and recruiting exposure between school seasons.
- What is the difference between the Development side and the Elite side?
- Development is our teaching track: fundamentals, basketball IQ, confidence and playing time so a young athlete can grow into the game. Elite is our competitive travel track for athletes ready for a higher level of play, a heavier tournament schedule and college recruiting support. Coaches place athletes after tryouts based on skill, work ethic and readiness — not just age.
- How much does a Moore H.Y.P.E. season cost?
- Program dues are $900 for the Development side and $1,300 for the Elite side. Dues cover coaching, practice gym time and tournament entry for the team's scheduled events. Family travel costs (hotel, gas, food) for out-of-town tournaments are separate. We also run fundraising so no family has to carry the season alone — ask us about payment plans and fundraising credit.
- How do tryouts work, and what should my daughter bring?
- Tryouts are open sessions run by our head coaches. Athletes should bring a ball, both a light and dark shirt, court shoes, water and the $20 tryout fee. Register online first so we have your athlete's grade, position and contact info before she walks in. After tryouts, families receive an offer letter by email with the team, division and dues, plus a deadline to accept online.
- Where do you practice and play?
- Our home gym is Higher Ground Academy, 1471 Brewster St, Saint Paul, MN 55108. Practices and home events are posted on the schedule page with times, addresses and add-to-calendar links, so you always know where to be.
- How much travel should we expect?
- Expect mostly weekend tournaments in and around Minnesota, with a handful of longer trips on the Elite side during the spring and summer circuit. Every date lands on the public schedule as soon as it is confirmed, and families can RSVP so coaches know who is traveling.
- What age groups and grades do you field?
- We field girls teams from the youth Development levels through 17U on the Elite side, including 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U and 17U. Team lists, age groups and head coaches are on the teams directory.
- Do you help with college recruiting?
- Yes. Every Elite athlete gets a recruiting profile with her position, graduation year, measurables and film that coaches can view and share. Our staff — led by former WNBA guard and collegiate head coach Tamara Moore — helps families understand eligibility, film, contact rules and how to build a realistic school list.
- What is “The Moore Way”?
- The Moore Way is our standard for how athletes carry themselves: Helping. Youth. Pursue. Excellence. It shows up as accountability in the gym, effort without excuses, respect for teammates and officials, and academics first. Every athlete signs the Player Creed.
- My daughter has never played club ball. Is she ready?
- Come to a tryout. The Development side exists exactly for first-time club players — our coaches will tell you honestly where she is and what she needs. New families are welcome, and no experience is required to try out.
- How do I get in touch?
- Email Moorehypeelite@gmail.com or call 952-454-0298. You can also send a message from the contact page and it goes straight to our program directors.
Still have questions?
Reach a director directly, or come see a tryout for yourself.