Playing it Up

2014-15 Season Summary

It was only a few years ago—in 2011—that there was just one co-ed basketball team at Lowell. Now, there are two Middle School boys teams, a Middle School girls team, a 4/5 boys team, and a 4/5 girls team, bringing the total to five for the Lowell Leopards. Each team showed grit and guts on the court this year and even made Lowell history.

 

Split into two teams, the Super Stars and the All Stars, the Middle School boys embodied their motto, “Two teams, one family.” Creating two teams allowed Middle School players more time on the court, whether in practice or in games. Both Middle School boys teams finished the season strong. The All Stars scored an impressive 50 points in their final game against Burke, with 23 of those points within the first quarter alone. When winning the game became obvious, Coach David Levy introduced new challenges to keep players on their toes. Challenges such as, “Everyone touches the ball before scoring” encouraged players to improve passing technique. “Only score from inside the paint,” required players to work on their shooting form and attack the basket. The Middle School boys finished with 6-7 record including a 2nd place finish in the January Jam Tournament at the Dome. 

 

The 4/5 boys team finished the season 2-7— but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Many of the games were very close in score. The 4/5 boys never once gave into their opponents who were often bigger 5/6 teams from schools with more established basketball programs. Each player displayed great sportsmanship throughout the season. “They never once complained; they are a true team with depth and balance,” Coach Levy said. Usually at this level, just one or two players are responsible for scoring most of the points in a game. Lowell’s 4/5 boys team had up to 12 players score in one game. “That’s unheard of,” Coach Levy proudly added.

 

The Middle School girls team won their first game ever this season. It was a close, exciting game against Hebrew Academy ending in a 17-13 win. Lowell’s defensive press was strong from the start. Players caught rebounds, converted steals into points, and earned opportunities at the foul line when a critical free throw from a 5^th grader sealed the deal making Lowell history. “I held the girls to high standards and tried to teach them that you need to push yourself, not only to improve your skills but those of your teammates,” said Coach Mallory Band.

 

The 4/5 girls team finished with a record of 7-3. Six of those were won consecutively! With a roster of 17 girls on the team, the future of girls basketball at Lowell is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. “There are a few 5th graders who have really stepped up and continued to develop as leaders in both practice and during the games,” said Coach Band.Fifth graders were on the court 4-5 times a week, as some members elected to play up on the Middle School girls team as well. Their skill level improved quickly when they competed against older more experienced players.