The 5th graders actually played the entire tournament with just five players. I can't praise this team enough for what they accomplished this weekend. They played against some very athletic teams that were bigger in size and numbers. The 5th graders, however, were just as skilled if not more so and out hustled their opponents from beginning to end keeping each game close and having an opportunity to win each one. Great coaching, great heart and great love for the game!
The 6th graders won their division going 6-0. The team has so many weapons and plays with great confidence. They are a very balanced team with great ball handling and post play. They even started hitting three consistently this last tournament. It will be fun to watch this team during the spring to see how they develop. You rock girls!
The 7th graders played in possibly the toughest bracket of the entire tournament. Two of their opponents, the Lady Ballers and Cal Storm are the best 7th grade teams that I have seen all season. Our team still played hard and competed with these two teams and split their other two games. The tough loss to rivals Pasadena Vikings on Sunday night added yet another chapter to this bitter rivalry. Hopefully we will get another crack at this team in one of our gyms. Of all our teams the 7th graders had the most new faces on it yet they managed to create a great chemistry and had fun doing so. Keep up the hard work girls!
Like the 6th graders, the 8th graders advanced to Monday play. They came to the tournament with only six players and were dealt a tough blow five minutes into the first game when one of their players hurt their back on a hard fall. The team and the player gutted it out and manged to go 2 and 2 and make it to bracket play on Monday. This group has now played together for three years and they peaked during this tournament. Their understanding of the game and level of execution is the best I have ever seen from them. Every game they were in was decided by 7 points or less and I can honestly say that had the injury not occurred they could have won this tournament. Great run girls!
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| 6th graders wearing championship sweatshirts |
