The Lakeland City Junior Grizzlies Youth Basketball season ended Saturday (2.24.180 with the 11-14 Championship going to Team 2, Keith Crabtree as coach.
Wendi Haley, recreation program supervisor for Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department, said of the game: “They fought hard in the second round to move on to the Championship game and a victory!”
She recapped the season:
7-8 Champions are Team 4, with Jeff Rushing, Cody Hardin, and Glen Howell as coaches.
9-10 Champions are Team 6, with Jonathan Buchanan and Steve Grandchamp as coaches.
11-14 Champions are Team 2 with Keith Crabtree as coach.
“All of our participants had a fun and exciting season with highlights that included a Lakeland Junior Grizzles Night,” said Ms. Haley. “Each child received a free game ticket to the Grizzlies vs. the Lakers at the FedEx Forum on Jan. 15, MKL Day.
“Some of our lucky kids got to be on the court with players for the singing of the National Anthem and some also participated in the Halftime High 5 tunnel.”
Each child that played in the League received a Memphis Grizzlies autographed basketball and a certificate of participation from the Memphis Grizzlies.
“We had a great turnout this year with 216 participants across four different age divisions: 5-6 age group had 4 teams; 7-8 age group had 6 teams; 9-10 age group had 6 teams; and 11-14 also had 6 teams participating.
“We plan to remain with the Junior Grizzlies League for next season as the response to the program was outstanding! Thank you to the Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball for their support.”
Next season’s registration begins Sept. 1.
Link to Lakeland City sports page: https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=776918
Pictures below are Junior Grizzlies on the court at FedEx Forum.
Photos courtesy of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.
