In one of the most impressive displays of teamwork and determination, the 4th grade Wildcats girls went 22-0 in tournament play, sweeping all six tournaments at the fourth grade level during the 2009-2010 season. 

“This was probably one of the most dominating performances we have seen from a travel team at any grade level,” commented John Kroen, one of the coaches of the 4th grade Wildcats and co-founder of the organization. “As the season went on the girls faced tougher and tougher competition, but raised their level of play each and every time.”

In the last two tournaments of the season the Wildcats beat the host St. Charles Storm in the championship and then in Rockford the Wildcats beat teams from Wisconsin and Iowa to claim their sixth championship and complete the sweep of the 4th grade girls travel basketball tournament circuit.

“When a team in an organization at the youngest grade level is so dominant it strengthens the entire organization and raises expectations for all teams and the incoming team at that grade level,” explained Marsha Morgan, president of the Wildcats. “The success of the current fourth grade teams follows two other very successful teams at that level who have gone on to win multiple championships this season at the 5th and 6th grade levels. This continuous improvement makes the Wildcats a growing force in girls basketball.”

The 4th grade Wildcats White was coached by Jennifer Kraft and John Kroen. Players included Lauren Hunter, Lauren Kraft, Natalie Spudic, Molly Hackett, Carolyn Waleski, Courtney Germany, Sarah Kroen and Hannah Hill.

To keep the momentum going, the Wildcats are hosting open training sessions on March 11, 15, 18 and 22 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Mokena Junior High School. The training sessions are open to all current 2nd and 3rd grade girls intending to tryout for the 2010-2011 4th grade Wildcats who live within the Lincoln-Way High School district 210 residential boundaries. Interested parties should pre-register with John Kroen at jkroen@southsuburbanwildcats.com.

For more information on the Wildcats, visit the Wildcats on the web at www.southsuburbanwildcats.com. Tryouts for the 2010-2011 season are scheduled for Sunday, September 19 at Lincoln-Way West from 6pm – 9pm.