LA ELIT3

The Zero Gravity Program Profile Series goes to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we highlight an up and coming program, LA ELIT3! LA ELIT3 was formed in January 2017, where they had two teams for the spring season. The program was started out of a need from the community, as the teams that were running in that area were no longer doing so, and the closest options were over 50 miles away. A group of volunteers came to together and laid the foundation for what LA Elit3 has turned into today, an organization capable of competing at a high level no matter where they go to play. Along with this, their mission is to keep the cost as affordable as possible for the athletes who play for them. They do this by supplementing the player fees through donations, working with local gyms on discounted rates for practices, on top of getting qualified coaches for their teams.

Since their formation, word of the program quickly spread around the area, growing from 2 teams in their first year to having over 100 kids within the program this past season. Part of this is because of the quality of coaches they have and their ability to develop the players within their organization. Program Director Matt Overbaugh said that they excel in fundamental development and playing team basketball at both ends of the floor. They build their teams around the coaches that they have, so that they can get players to have a coach who is the best fit to their personalities and playing styles. LA ELIT3 only has coaches who have played some level college basketball and are all on a high school/college level coaching staff. This gives young coaches in the program an opportunity to work on their ability and add to their resumes as they look to move forward in their coaching careers. It also gives the players a chance to work with coaches who can and will help them improve their games.

The goal within the next two years for LA ELIT3 is to have a full slate of teams between 6th grade to Varsity for boys and girls in the area. Going off of this, Director Overbaugh also said that they’d like to get their own practice facility in the future as well, as this could be what takes them to the next level. Looking into the coming Spring 2020 season, Director Overbaugh said he’s excited to compete at a high level across multiple age groups. He’s excited to showcase his programs ability to play basketball the right way, and he says that the Zero Gravity Spring Circuit gives him this opportunity.

Zero Gravity couldn’t be more excited to have LA ELIT3 back with us for another spring! After coming to multiple tournaments this past year, we’re very excited to see them back in action and competing at a high level each weekend! Be on the lookout if you’re in the Mid-Atlantic area, because LA ELIT3 is coming up quickly!