The Junior Performance Excellence Program (JPEP) is Basketball Nova Scotia's (BNS) introductory performance program, targeting athletes born in 2014 who demonstrate potential and passion for the game, and are looking to take their development to the next level.
JPEP is an important step within BNS’s athlete development pathway. While the primary focus is long-term development, the program provides athletes and coaches with an opportunity to become familiar with the expectations and standards associated with future provincial performance opportunities.
The program is built around a full Centralized Program located in Halifax as well as Development Pathway Sessions located in other key regions throughout the province.
Open to athletes from across Nova Scotia, JPEP is designed to complement an athlete's club, school, and community basketball experiences by providing additional high-level training opportunities in a challenging, supportive, and fun environment. The program focuses on building strong fundamentals while introducing athletes to the habits, skills, and concepts required to succeed at a performance level.
Following the program’s tryout process, 40 athletes per gender will be selected to participate in the full Centralized Program. Athletes will be divided into two training groups/sites, allowing for a high-quality coach-to-athlete ratio and a development-focused training environment.
Throughout the program, Centralized Program athletes will work with experienced program coaches and be exposed to a BNS curriculum, supported by Canada Basketball, that emphasizes:
Sessions will combine skill instruction, small-sided games, and competitive play to maximize athlete engagement and development. The goal is to create an environment where athletes are challenged, encouraged to take risks, and given the opportunity to learn through both success and failure.
ID Sessions
Training Sessions
Session times and locations will be communicated following program participant selection.
Program Cost: $400 (18 training hours)
*All selected athletes will participate in a centralized development weekend (The Academy) on January 2-3, 2027.
The purpose of The Academy is to:
Girls: Sophia Widmeyer & Ashley Collier
Boys: Tariq Thomas & Noah Mutabaruka
As part of the JPEP structure, BNS will offer Development Pathway Sessions for U13-U15 athletes in identified regions throughout the province. These sessions are designed to help provide athletes with additional training opportunities while allowing BNS staff to connect with and evaluate athletes provincially.
These sessions will provide athletes with six (6) hours of on-court instruction focused on skill development, decision-making, athletic movement, and game play.
Registration for Pathway Sessions will be available early September.
No tryout required (max number of athletes per session = 30
$125 (6 hours of training)
(Genders could train together depending on numbers).
These sessions are open to athletes from across Nova Scotia. Athletes will have the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches, receive quality instruction, and continue their development within the Basketball Nova Scotia athlete pathway.
Pathway Development Session athletes have the opportunity to be selected to The Academy.
BNS performance staff will lead pathway sessions with support from regional coaches. Additional details regarding registration, locations, and schedules will be released in early fall.
Questions? Connect with Anton Berry @ basketballperformance@sportnovascotia.ca