The 8th grade boys basketball team had a basketball tournament from October 23 through October 27. It was in the Luechtefeld Gym at Okawville Grade School. On October 24, they played All Saints Academy from Breese; the Jr. Rockets lost 46-36. Ayden Foley scored 12 points and Teren Schwankhaus scored 11 points. On October 26, they faced the Red Bud Royles and won 33-29, and Ayden Foley scored 17 points. In the last game, the Jr. Rockets played the Albers/Damiansville Cougars for Consolation Champions and lost 31-28; Foley scored 17 points.
The Jr. Rockets wouldn’t have been able to have this tournament without the 8th-grade boys basketball team and their coach Mr. Barkau. The 7th and 8th grade math teacher and basketball coach, Mr. Barkau said, “The 8th grade basketball team will be big this year. We have 3 players over 6 feet tall! We will be very competitive and with a lot of hard work and determination we will have a very successful team. Even though we lost in the Consolation Championship to Albers/Damiansville. I hope our players stay resilient. We will have our ups and downs, and a mark of a good team is showing resilience during those times when things aren’t going well.”
But who can forget the Jr. High basketball boy’s best supporters who are there for every game? The Jr. High cheer team! The 6th grade cheerleaders are Brinley Kohnen and Aubrey Charles. The 7th grade cheerleader is Lucy Pille. Last but not least, the 8th grade cheerleaders are Tessa Frantz, Sarah Bornemann, Megan Priester, Anna Herzig, and Petra Galliano. Their amazing coaches, Coach Darci Siliven and their Assistance Coach Amy Gibbs help them through every step of the way.
Good luck to the boys and girls this season!
