LPSD Basketball Academy
Our goal with the LPSD Basketball Academy is to enrich the Lloydminster and surrounding communities with a fresh and specialized Basketball educational opportunities. The Basketball Academy will allow students from Grades 7-9 across the division to participate in an enhanced Basketball program focusing on skill development and gameplay.
- Basketball Academy aims to foster a love for the game and general physical activity in our athletes.
- We hope to build confidence and resiliency through sport.
- This program will be open to any skill level as athletes will be provided with skill development.
This academy is led by the Lakeland Rustler's Men's basketball coach, Sheray Thomas.
With a diligent, well-thought-out, athlete-centred plan, the Basketball academy will offer an exceptional sport-specific program.
The LPSD Basketball Academy applications open early spring 2025.
With limited spots, the program can fill up quickly.
Questions
For further information, please call (780) 875-5541.
Online Application
Applications for the 2025/26 school year will open early spring. If you have any questions, please call 780-875-5541.
The tuition is $650.00 ($112.50 payable monthly for 4 months). Payments run from February till May.
Athletes also participating in Volleyball Academy will receive a $100 discount on registration.
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required with registration. We anticipate a full Basketball Academy Program for the upcoming school year, be sure to apply soon.
Athletes will receive branded LPSD Basketball Academy Practice Gear.
Coach Thomas originally from Montreal is entering his 8th season as Head Coach of Men’s basketball after serving as assistant for 2 seasons. The Rustlers have reached the post season 7 out of 8 seasons under Coach Thomas.
In 2018, The Rustlers earned silver at the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) Championships leading to a bid to compete at the CCAA (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association) National Championship. The National Championship appearance was only the 2nd time in Men’s Basketball program history. In 2021, the Rustlers took home ACAC Bronze for the 1st time in program history. That summer coach Thomas was also named assistant coach of the Montreal Alliance a professional team in the CEBL (Canadian Entertainment Basketball League). He was in charge of player development for Alliance.
Numerous Rustlers have won All-Conference awards and have moved on to USports level under coach Thomas. Academically, the Rustlers have also had the program’s highest overall GPA during this time.
Coach Thomas had the privilege of playing six seasons of professional basketball, with stints in both Europe and Canada. He proudly represented Canada playing for the Canadian National Team in 2004 and 2007. Coach Thomas played four years at NCAA Division I powerhouse, The University of Kentucky Wildcats graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. He has accumulated several individuals and team honors over his playing career.
Sheray is married to Jennifer, and together, they have two children. Son, Sheray Jr. (SJ) and Daughter, Skylin.
LPSD Basketball Academy is available for students in grades 7-9 from across the division.
- Sessions run Monday and Wednesday from 2:00 - 3:15 pm.
Maximum of 32 students.
Other details include:
- The Basketball Academy will conduct all sessions at LCHS.
- Basketball Academy runs from February to June.
- Transportation from each school to LCHS will be provided.
- Students may catch LCHS buses home or parents can pick up at 3:15 pm at LCHS.
- A Certified Teacher will accompany and support the learning of all student groups.
Program content
- An elite coach will plan, instruct and assess students on skill development in Basketball.
- With two sessions per week, students will receive roughly over 50 hours of on-floor elite coaching and skill development.