Our Programs

KC Wildcats fields competitive AAU teams for athletes in grades 2 through 8 across Ellensburg, Thorp, and Kittitas. Every team — boys and girls — competes at the same level and is held to the same SAGE standards. There's no A team and B team here. There's just the work.

  • We aim to field at least one competitive team per grade level each season, depending on registration numbers and coaching availability. If numbers allow a second team at a grade level, both teams compete in AAU. Neither is considered junior varsity.

    • Grades 2–8, boys and girls

    • Primary season: Winter

    • Optional seasons: Fall and Spring

    • Home gym: Ellensburg, with occasional use of Central Washington University facilities

  • Our primary competition region includes Wenatchee, Yakima, Ellensburg, and Moses Lake. Finding the right level of competition sometimes means traveling further — Tri-Cities, Spokane, or Seattle. We'd rather drive two hours and play a real game than win a bracket that doesn't mean anything.

    Typical travel by season:

    • Local tournaments (under 20 min): 2–4 per season

    • Regional tournaments (Yakima, Wenatchee, Moses Lake): 2–3 per season

    • State qualifying events: Tri-Cities, Spokane, or Seattle for teams that earn it

  • Grades 2–3 Every player gets approximately 40% of available minutes. The goal at this level is simple: touch the ball, learn the game, have fun.

    Grades 4–8 Playing time is earned through SAGE standards — Skill, Attitude, Growth, and Effort. Players who consistently meet those standards play. On an 8-player roster, coaches aim for 8–12 minutes per player per game. Coaches retain final discretion based on game situation, foul trouble, and roster size.

    The 24-hour rule applies: if you have concerns about playing time, wait 24 hours after the game, then contact the coach directly to schedule a conversation.

  • State qualification begins at 4th grade by finishing 1st or 2nd at a qualifying tournament. Divisions are based on local high school classification:

    • 2A/3A and below: Silver division

    • 3A–4A: Gold division

    • Club: Multi-district

Want the full picture? Download the KC Wildcats Club Guide Here