Serving Central PA from Centre County
TJ Anderson's Central PA Lions Academy
ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL. ONE PURPOSE.
“Our mission is to build fundamentally sound, high-IQ athletes through intentional skill development, competitive training, and character-based coaching — preparing every Lion to excel on the court and succeed beyond it.”
0+
Years of Development
0
Programs Offered
0 K–12
Grades Served
0%
Community Focus
Mission
Built for More Than Game Day
Our mission is to build fundamentally sound, high-IQ athletes through intentional skill development, competitive training, and character-based coaching — preparing every Lion to excel on the court and succeed beyond it.
Main Page · Pictures
Life With the Lions
Highlights from practices, games, and team moments across Central PA Lions AAU.
Why Choose the Lions
Development With Purpose
Fundamentals First
Skill development rooted in basketball IQ, footwork, and decision-making.
Character Matters
Attitude & effort. Leading by example on and off the court.
Competitive Culture
Prepare intensely, compete with class, and respect the game.
Tryouts & Events
Upcoming Lions Events
Ballin@ The Bridge — Bridgeport, WV
March 28–29 · 2nd Annual Ballin@ The Bridge at The Bridge Sports Complex.
April Keyser Classic
April 18–19 · Keyser, WV.
May Mayhem Classic @ Spooky Nook
May 2–3 · Manheim, PA.
NVSC Roundball Classic
May 30–31 · State College, PA.
The Final Showdown @ Spooky Nook
June 13–14 · Manheim, PA.
Fall Tryouts — Grades 3–12
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School. Registration packet due Saturday, October 4, 2026.
Winter Tryouts — Grades 3–12
Sunday, February 14, 2027 at Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School. Registration packet due Sunday, February 7, 2027.
Coaching Staff
Meet the Pride
TJ Anderson
Founder, CEO, Head Coach
Meet Coach TJ Anderson Coach TJ Anderson has dedicated more than a decade to developing young basketball players and expanding travel basketball opportunities throughout Central Pennsylvania. As CEO and Head Coach of the Central PA Lions AAU/Travel Program, Coach Anderson has guided boys' and girls' teams to championships in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Since 2020, his teams have earned titles at the Ocean City tournament, the West Virginia Championships, the XGen Buffalo Championships, the Keyser WV Classic, the Tucker WV tournament, and the State College Elementary Championship. His 2025–26 team also finished as the Spooky Nook Pennsylvania Elementary runner-up. Coach Anderson is also the founder and head coach of the Juniata Valley Stingers, a program he established in Alexandria, Pennsylvania, in 2014. Under his leadership, the Stingers became Ocean City AAU and Pittsburgh champions while earning runner-up finishes in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Beyond the trophies, Coach Anderson remains committed to teaching teamwork, discipline, confidence, and character. His mission is to provide young athletes with opportunities to compete, grow, and become successful both on and off the basketball court. One Team. One Family. One Purpose.
Shane Kelly
Jr High Boys Head Coach
MEET THE COACH: SHANE KELLY The Central PA Lions are proud to recognize Coach Shane Kelly, a dedicated leader who continues to make a positive impact on our young athletes. Coach Kelly has helped guide Central PA Lions teams to success at several competitive events. His junior high team earned a runner-up finish at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia. During the 2024–2025 season, Coach Kelly led his elementary team to championships at both the Keyser WV Classic and the Tucker WV tournament. These accomplishments reflect his leadership, preparation, and commitment to helping players improve. Beyond tournament results, Coach Kelly is dedicated to teaching teamwork, discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship. His goal is to help every athlete develop as a basketball player while creating memories and relationships that extend beyond the game. Thank you, Coach Kelly, for everything you do for our players and the Central PA Lions family! Play • Develop • Compete • Belong — More Than a Game
Bryan Kulick
High School Boys Head Coach
MEET THE COACH: BRYAN KULICK The Central PA Lions are proud to introduce Coach Bryan Kulick, our High School Boys Head Coach and a dedicated leader within the Lions basketball family. Coach Kulick brings an impressive championship background to the program. His teams have competed successfully throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. His accomplishments include an Ocean City championship during the 2020–2021 season, followed by the West Virginia and XGen Buffalo championships in 2021–2022. His teams returned to Buffalo the following season and captured another XGen championship. During the 2023–2024 season, his teams earned the West Virginia Boys and Girls championships, along with the Junior High XGen Buffalo championship. The success continued with elementary championships at the Keyser WV Classic and Tucker, West Virginia, during the 2024–2025 season. In 2025–2026, his teams captured another Keyser WV Classic title and the State College, Pennsylvania Elementary Championship before earning a runner-up finish at Spooky Nook. Coach Kulick's experience, leadership, and commitment to player development make him an important part of the Central PA Lions program. He continues to challenge his players to compete, improve, support their teammates, and represent the Lions with pride. Thank you, Coach Kulick, for your dedication to our athletes and the entire Central PA Lions family!
Testimonials
Lions Families Speak
“We moved to Centre County not knowing many families in youth sports. The Lions welcomed our daughter immediately. Coaches hold kids accountable without tearing them down—her footwork, confidence, and grades all improved in the same season.”
“TJ and his staff communicate better than any club we have been part of. We always know practice times, tournament weekends, and what our son should be working on at home. The attitude-and-effort message is not a slogan here—it is how they coach every day.”
“I have played travel ball since fourth grade. Central PA Lions is the first place that pushed me on defense and decision-making as much as scoring. Film, reps, and honest feedback made me a starter on my high school team.”
“With two kids in the program, the family registration option was a relief. More importantly, both children are taught the same standards: respect the coach, respect classmates, and compete hard. That consistency matters in our house.”
Registration Fees
Invest In Development
Individual Athlete
$400
Two-Person Family
$700
Three-Person Family
$1050
The registration fee is non-refundable and is due upon enrollment in the program and no later than February 28, 2027. As a team, we will be conducting fundraisers for our program. The fundraiser opt-out fee is a $200 non-refundable fee for student-athletes to participate in the program. Pay securely at centralpalions.square.site or mail a check payable to Central PA Lions to 7410 Sportsman Road, Alexandria, PA 16611.
Newsletter
Stay In The Pride
