Article by Commissioner Matt Wright
Due to high demand to play basketball here in Lakeland the city decided to offer a competitive team for 4th grade boys this season, along with the recreational opportunities already offered at LES. Our competitive team plays in a Memphis league called Crosscheck and we participate against other schools in the area. The Crosscheck league consist of private schools like St. George’s, Harding, Briarcrest and Christian Brothers as well as Memphis charter schools like Vision Prep and Bluff City. Games are usually played on Saturdays at a variety of locations in the Memphis metro area from Houston High School to New Hope Academy in Frayser.
Our head coach is Zach Cowell while I’m honored to be the assistant coach. Coach Cowell said “the opportunity for these boys to play good competition every weekend is invaluable. You can see how much their game is improving on a weekly basis.” I’m proud to say the Lions are currently 4-2 in the league, including a victory over St. George’s as well as defeating Vision Prep Charter School this morning 23-12 (pictured above). The team plays Christian Brothers (Wave) next Saturday and the season continues thru February.
I’ve said many times, we have a lot of talent in Lakeland and this is a great opportunity to build our basketball program and for other schools and parents to see what Lakeland has to offer. Next year, I anticipate expanding this program and having competitive teams for 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade which will feed the middle school with some really good players and teams.
If you’re interested in competitive basketball next season reach out to Kevin Rooney at city hall and he can keep your name for future updates.
Go Lions!
Team members are: Oscar Marban, Caden Starnes, Quinn Wright, Hunter Stokes, Langston Estes, Luke Baldridge, Jackson Buckalew and Zeke Cowell. All players attend Lakeland Elementary.
