Juniors - Prep Basketball

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While the NWBA veterans faced off against each other, the youngsters in the Prep Division enjoyed the tournament’s hospitality and gained valuable experience at the national level. This division features the youngest members of the NWBA, with players ages 6­–12 representing teams from around the country.

The Courage Center Rowdies (Minn.), led by female MVP Rose Hollerman and all-tournament selection Liz Kimmes, showed that their size and experience was too tough for the competition. They plowed through pool play undefeated, taking down the Lakeshore Sharks and Turnstone Flyers.

The Rowdies matched up in the championship game with the Challengers from Sterling Heights, Mich., and tournament male MVP Andre Edwards, supported by all-tournament selection Chrissy Clark.  After big victories in pool play against the Denver Jr. Rolling Nuggets and some close wins in the elimination bracket over the Grand Rapids Junior Pacers and the BORP Cruisers, the Challengers were ready to rumble for the Prep title.

In an exciting game that had coaches and fans on the edges of their seats, the Courage Center Rowdies pulled a 27–26 win and their first Prep national championship. 

In consolation play, the Turnstone Flyers, led by all-tournament selection Nina Welfie, took down the tough BORP Bay Cruisers for third-place honors. Former USA national team member Trooper Johnson coached the Cruisers. Johnson and his former U.S. teammate Dave Kiley represent many of the NWBA veterans who are giving back to the sport by building and supporting junior programs in their hometowns.

Check out the complete article in the May 2009 S’NS.

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