For decades, the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) youth basketball program has been a popular Portland showcase of competitive talent and community. As a cluster-based initiative, each Portland high school operates its own feed cluster — the students who live in that school’s neighborhood — and teams compete against other schools within those clusters throughout the season. This means that youth athletes play for the teams that will feed into their neighborhood high-school. The PIL basketball program enables middle school athletes to build skills, foster community, and learn from one another.
At Franklin, the program operates with two teams of 12 players for both boys and girls in sixth through eighth grade. Despite being a youth program, it is a cut sport, with tryouts having been held in the beginning of November, and practices beginning soon after. The season spans from then until late February, games having already been held throughout December. While practice schedules vary by teams, girls play games every Wednesday and boys every Thursday. Tournaments are held on select Saturdays, leading to playoffs on Feb. 28.
Adam Pearlman, amidst his first season as head coach for the Franklin boys sixth-grade grey team, emphasizes his value of player development and healthy competition. “[The PIL program] gives athletes opportunities to grow while competing at a high level,” he says. He highlights that sports psychology plays a significant role in his coaching approach, specifying that he intentionally creates weekly practice plans that reflect what the team needs to improve on from previous weeks, incorporating offense, defense, game-simulation scenarios, and conditioning. “Each week’s practices are informed by the previous games — if we struggled defensively or at the free-throw line, those areas become a focus in the following week’s plan,” he explains. The coaches also ensure to emphasize weekly sportsmanship and activities that strengthen character which help players recognize and practice positivity while reinforcing cohesion.
The PIL youth basketball program allows middle school players the opportunity to be prepared for high school teams by teaching them essential skills and helping them form connections with teammates they will play with on future teams. “We prepare physically through structured practices that focus on conditioning, skill development, and game strategy,” explains Pearlman. Sixth-grader Dennis McGory, who plays for the grey team, says that his favorite thing about the PIL program is meeting teammates and building lasting relationships that will continue throughout high school. “The team builds a community where you make mistakes, but learn skills to overcome them.”
Fellow sixth-grader Avery Waterman, who also plays for the grey team, agrees, saying, “PIL basketball allows you to build skills over time and fundamentals needed to play basketball in high school.” During the season, Franklin’s varsity men’s and women’s coaches oversee the PIL program and help acclimate players to what the environment in high school will be. PIL also ensures accessibility for middle school students. Dunya Minoo, the Director of Special Programs, says, “We provide the uniforms, the coaches, and the structure right where the students live and go to school, making competitive sports accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.”
McGory and Waterman believe that athletes improve more when coaches thoroughly teach them and don’t raise their voices. “Having your coaches be there for you really makes a difference,” says McGory. Erica Waterman, the head coach of Franklin boys sixth-grade maroon team, agrees. Despite being in her first season as their coach, she explains her coaching strategy of meeting each player where they are. “I make sure that everyone understands why they’re being asked to do what they’re doing before forcing skills that they don’t understand why they’re learning,” she says. Waterman highlights the importance of being there for her young athletes no matter what.
Since 1901 when the PIL was founded, it has drastically evolved into a key institution among middle school athletes wanting competition and skill development. Pearlman explains that his long-term goal for the team is to foster a positive, supportive environment where players can grow both as athletes and individuals. “Ultimately, I want to help prepare [the players] for the next level of basketball — and more importantly, for the next stages of life. I know we will define success by our growth, teamwork, and respect for the game,” he says. PIL basketball remains committed to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth.
