Bethesda Based Wood Acres Tigers Basketball

In the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, a youth basketball team is making waves for all the right reasons. The Wood Acres Tigers, an AAU boys basketball team founded by Coach Joe Kaufman, have become one of the region’s premier examples of what happens when basketball training meets authentic friendship, discipline, and heart.

Born out of a simple idea—that a close-knit group of skilled friends could evolve into a formidable team—the Tigers’ journey began at Wood Acres Elementary School in Bethesda. Coach Joe brought together his son’s friends, including some from early preschool days, and built a culture rooted in trust and togetherness. What started as a local pickup team has since developed into a formidable unit on the DMV AAU circuit.

To strengthen the roster, the Tigers welcomed a few key additions—players who didn’t just bring talent, but shared the same character and team-first mindset. Those players didn’t just join the team—they became part of the Wood Acres basketball family, earning their stripes both on and off the court.

As someone who has personally trained the Tigers, I can say without hesitation: this group is special. Their work ethic is undeniable. These kids show up ready to compete, stay locked in during every drill, and push each other to improve every rep. As a basketball trainer who’s worked with hundreds of youth athletes across Montgomery County and beyond, I can confidently say the Tigers are on a different level in terms of accountability, coachability, and drive.

The Tigers’ approach to basketball development mirrors the principles we emphasize at our own basketball academy—skill mastery, decision-making, and mental toughness. This team isn’t just talented—they’re trained. And the results speak for themselves.

In 2025, the Tigers captured the 365 HBL Summer League Championship, a victory that solidified their reputation across the DMV youth basketball scene. They've also battled through some of the toughest competition in the area, taking on top-tier teams in AAU tournaments across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

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But they’re not done.

With their sights now set on the 2026 AAU World Championship at Disney World, the Tigers continue to grind, train, and grow—together. From high-level basketball training sessions to grueling tournament weekends, every step of their journey is rooted in a culture of trust, competitiveness, and collective growth.

What makes the Tigers unique is that while competing hard and winning are major goals, friendship remains the foundation. In a youth basketball landscape that often emphasizes rankings and stats over relationships and character, the Tigers stand out for keeping things in perspective. They play for each other.

If you're a parent in Montgomery County looking for the right environment for your child to grow—not just as a player, but as a teammate and person—keep your eye on the Wood Acres Tigers. Their story is just beginning - check out their website here: https://sites.google.com/view/wood-acres-tigers

A few of the Wood Acres Tigers players are members of our basketball training program and we always look forward to working with them!

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