Nature Coast Technical High School hosted the NCBL youth playoffs and championships on May 19, where teams from the pee-wee, junior varsity, and varsity divisions competed for championship titles.
In the pee-wee division championship game, for children ages five to seven, the Sharks edged out the Tigers with a buzzer-beater, clinching the victory and completing an undefeated season.
In the junior varsity division, for ages eight to ten, the Spartans dominated the playoffs, first overcoming the Lakers, then defeating the Pirates in the championship game to claim the title of JV Division Champions.
Spartans players Xavier Thompkins and Jace Gaines had a particularly good night, dominating the court and helping their team score several points.
“They sort of stepped up and led their team to the championship,” said David Pisarcik, a basketball coach and teacher at Nature Coast.
In the varsity division, for ages 11 to 13, the Celtics bounced back in the playoffs after dropping their final two regular-season games. They defeated the Knicks 35–29 in the semifinal, then went on to overpower the Cavs in the championship, securing the title of 2025 NCBL Varsity League Champions.
Pisarcik helped found the Nature Coast Youth Basketball League 10 years ago to give his son a place to learn fundamental skills and drills, while also providing other children the opportunity to benefit from the experience.
“I want my son to have the best trainings and leagues, and I think everybody wants that for their child,” Pisarcik said. “I’m just in a situation where I can create that.”
The goal of the league is to ensure they run the best league, teach fundamentals, and provide the necessary skills and drills for players to improve.
“If everybody gets better, their team gets better, and then they win,” Pisarcik said.
The NCBL youth basketball league season began in March and ran for seven weeks. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams in each division advanced to the playoffs.
Pisarcik estimated that there are about 130 kids participating in the league, with players traveling from Citrus County, Pasco County, and Tampa. The league is limited to six teams per division and allows boys and girls to play together.
Players are selected based on the type of team each coach aims to build. Teams are formed through an evaluation process, where kids take part in drills, skills assessments, and scrimmages while coaches observe and take notes. While coaches fight for top players, finding “hidden gems” among the role players is key to a team clicking.
“Everybody has a role, and everybody has to execute that role if they want to succeed,” Pisarcik said.
Pisarcik’s favorite part of watching the playoffs and championship games was seeing the kids compete. He enjoys seeing their smiles, their effort, their desire to improve, and their investment in the game.
“I know they look forward to this each week,” Pisarcik said. “I see the smiles on their faces when they come into the gym.”
The NCBL youth basketball league will kick off its next season in August, but will host several camps over the summer to help players maintain and develop their skills.
