By Wendi Haley, Lakeland recreation program supervisor
Lakeland Parks and Rec. Department has just wrapped up our 18-19 Junior Grizzlies season. And what a fantastic season we had!
It all began in November with practices, leading way to the games that began in December.
On January 25, our entire league was able to participate in the fan experience thru the Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball program at the Memphis Grizzlies game vs. the Sacramento Kings.
All of our families got a chance to sit courtside during the pre-game shootaround. Some lucky players got a chance to stand on the court with the Memphis Grizzlies basketball players and sing the National Anthem.
And most players got a chance to participate in the high-five tunnel as the game went into halftime.
We celebrated the beginning of playoff season in February with a Food Truck Day featuring local food truck Journey’s Taco Express. It was delicious and the perfect treat on a cold February day!
We finished the season at the end of February by congratulating the Champions of each age group with trophies. The runner-up teams in each age division received medals.
Each player in our Junior Grizzlies League, as part of their registration fee, received a ticket to the Grizzlies game, a Grizzlies leather basketball and a participation certificate signed by the #4 overall draft pick in the NBA, Jaren Jackson Jr.
A BIG THANK YOU to the volunteer coaches and parents, our Lakeland cheerleaders, LES (Lakeland Elementary School), LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School), St. Paul United Methodist Church, the referees, Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball and to all of the staff that made this season possible!
We hope to see everyone back again next season!
Registration will open in September for the 2019-2020 season. Stay posted to www.lakelandtn.gov/leagues for updates and information on upcoming programs.
… Photos courtesy of Lakeland Parks and Rec Department
