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St. Louis Lightning 94/95 Girls
St. Louis, Missouri
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 2005-06 Season |
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Monday, September 19
First 2005 Fall game is complete
St. Louis Lightning played their first game of the 2005 Fall season on Saturday, September 17th. The girls were victorious with a 23-13 win. Way to go girls!!!
Tuesday, October 4
THREE IN A ROW, NO THAT'S FOUR IN A ROW
Our Lightning extended their Fall season win streak to four in a row as they downed the St. Louis Rockets on two consecutive Monday nights, 36-12 and 35-9. Defence was the key as well as balanced scoring.
Wednesday, November 30
Tidbits
Just a note the girls have played a total of 17 games this 2005 fall season and have amassed a record of 16 wins with 1 lose, and that to a sixth grade team. They have put up 516 (30.4 avg.) points, while only allowing 233 (13.7 avg.) points. Defense is the forte of this team, as they score many of their points from the pressure that they put on other teams.
I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to both Ed and Tony for their countless hours of training and instructions to our girls. The prove is in the results, way to go guys.
Saturday, December 3
Girls get off to fast start in Rockwood
First game of the Rockwood season was Saturday and the girls started strong. They came out with a pressing defense forcing their opponents into a early time out. They continued to play hard throughout the first half amassing a 20-1 halftime score. Backing off with the press they continue to play good fundamental basketball and finished with a 29-9 win.
Monday, December 5
LIGHTNING Maintain Third Spot
In the latest Missouri Girls 5th Grade Rankings our girls maintain their number three ranking, but could be in danger in the future. Many other teams are playing aggressive schedules and doing well. Click on Web Links and then Missouri Girls Basketball Rankings for the latest.
Saturday, December 10
Lightning Win Second Rockwood Game
Lightning (Rockwood Ploudre) playing up in the 6th Grade Winter Rockwood League continue their winning ways defeating Rockwood Bess. The girls ran off to a 10-0 lead and finished the first half with a 14-7 advantage. They continued to play good basketball in the second half and ended the game with a 26-11 triumph. Another strong all around performance by the team against older girls. Congratulations.
Tuesday, December 13
Lightning Scrimmage Boys Team
Parents on Tuesday night were witness to a great game of up and down basketball as our Lightning scrimmaged against a 5th Grade Boys team. The girls were up for the game and did not disappoint as they more than kept up with the boys. Dare I say this was the most competitive game of the fall season. The Lightning slowly build a lead, but the boys never gave up pushing the girls hard. Toward the end the boys cut our lead to 4, but the girls responded well and finished up with a 49-40 victory in 60 minutes of play. Now that is what I call one great work out! Let’s all send out a big thanks to the boys for giving us a game, and perhaps we can give them a rematch sometime soon.
Saturday, December 17
Lightning make it three in a roll
The Lightning won their third straight game in the Winter Rockwood league (6th Grade). It was the same story as usual the girls got off to a fast start and went into half time with a 28-7 lead. Not being able to press with more than a 15 point lead saw the girls coast to a 45-12 final score. The girls are currently on a 14 game winning streak (all competitions). This is the last game until the Holiday tournament, so the girls will be enjoying a brief break, but don't forget practice on Tuesday.
Saturday, December 31
Lightning end year on a low
The team finished the 2005 season with two straight loses. Competing in the Eureka Hoops-Fest Tournament the girls found it tough going playing up a grade and won only one game of the three they played. For more details go to the Tournament Results listing in the menu.
Although the year might of ended on a low let's give the girls major kudos on a great 2005 season as they had many accomplishments. CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT YEAR!!!
Sunday, September 25
Lightning Strikes Twice
Yes, Lightning can strike twice. The girls played their second game of the young season and won 37-16 over a Jets Club team. A good balance attack with smoothering defense lead the way. Great job girls.!!!
Monday, October 10
5-0 Start
Lightning chalk up their 5th straight win of the season with a 24-12 victory over the Hoop Stars (5 Gr) team.
Saturday, October 15
Ugh!
There is no other way to say this, the Lightning lost. Yes the Lightning lost their first game of the fall season. The Hoop Stars (6th Grade) revenged an earlier lost to the Lightning by winning 22-13. Pure and simple the girls could not make any shots, not that there was a lack of trying. They must of out shot the Hoop Stars 3 to 1, but the rims were not forgiving what so ever. Hopefully the girls will get a rematch.
Monday, October 24
Rockets Fall Classic
Lightning win the St. Louis Rockets 2005 Fall Classic. See Tournament Results for full story.
Saturday, November 5
League Play Resumes for Lightning
Lightning win their 6th league game of the season, 20-17 over the Hoop Stars (5th Gr). It was a hard fought game as the Hoop Stars started two twin towers against our girls. The Lightning played tough defense as always and jumped to an early lead and never relinquished it. Still we have to tip our hats to the Hoop Stars as they never gave up and gave our girls a fight.
Saturday, November 12
Lightning Stay Sharp
The Lightning stayed focused against the St. Louis Rockets on Saturday winning 35-11. With the upcoming tournament the girls are staying sharp.
Saturday, November 19
Lightning Win League Title
In the final game of Fall Metro League competition our Lightning won. Congratulation girls on an impressive fall season finishing 8-1. The girls will now turn their sites to the Hoop Wars Thanksgiving tournament. Let's wish them the best.
Sunday, November 27
Lightning win Hoop Wars
Lightning win Thanksgiving tournament with no competition as they can't get away from the HoopStars and Rockets, but yet they can pull out another strong performance for a great award. See Tournament Results for full story.
Saturday, February 18
Lightning Girls take Rockwood Title, again!
The Lightning defeated Rockwood’s Young team to claim first place in the 2005-06 Winter Rockwood League (6th Grade A Division), the girls finished undefeated (10-0). The final score was Lightning 33, Young 15. Great performances were turned in on both sides of the ball.
Offensively Erin tossed in 13 points and Alexis added 9 points. The entire offense sparkled with outstanding passing and ball movement. The tight defense worked fantastic and shifted perfectly to Young’s offense. The defense had several steals and rebounds, allowing us a number of fast break points.
This was the second year in a row that the team has won the Rockwood League. In each of the seasons the girls played up in age.
FANTASTIC JOB GIRLS and CONGRATULATIONS!
Remember TEAMWORK!!!
Saturday, January 7
Missouri Rankings updated
The Missouri Girls Basketball Rankings are now updated and the Lightning maintain their No. 3 position. The others are as follows:
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph)
2. KC Thundercats (Kansas City)
3. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin)
4. Swoosh (Springfield)
5. Xtreme (Kansas City)
6. St. Louis Lady Monarchs (St. Louis)
7. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield)
8. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis)
9. Hot Shots (Springfield)
10. St. Louis Hoops (St. Louis)
Sunday, January 8
Lightning win 3 out of 4
The girls had a busy weekend with four games total. They played two games in the Incarnate Word Academy Grade School Tournament on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s game saw some bizarre clock management and score keeping from the officials. It would of not helped the team with the lose, but the score should have been closer, 32-20. Saturdays morning game was scheduled against the Northstars, but they only had four players so it was a forfeit. Our team sent two players to the Northstars so the girls could at least play a game.
Saturday afternoon the girls had a thrilling Rockwood League game winning 20-19 over the High team. They ended the last 90 seconds playing keep away from the opponent and our team did their self proud with great passing at the end.
Sundays game was the first of the St. Louis Metro Winter League 6th Grade season. The Lightning played a good solid game for the win, other than some sloppy play toward the end of the game. This helped their opponents (Troy Trojanettes) to close the gap to a 31-22 final score. Ashley 7, Erin 6 and Alexis 6.
Sunday, January 15
LIGHTNING GO 4-2 OVER WEEKEND, WIN MLK TOURNEY
It was a busy weekend with the girls playing six games in two days. The team decided because of the four Saturday games to rest players in different games. The morning game saw the girl’s tip-off the MLK tournament with lose to the Crusaders. In their second game, a Rockwood League (6th Grade) game, the girls were victorious with a 33-16 win. They are now 5-0 half way through the 10 game schedule. Back to the MLK tournament the Lightning defeated the Hoopstars Midwest (6th Grade) team, before finishing the day with a loss to the Future Lady Lancers (6th Grade). Sunday saw the Lightning move on to the Girls 5th Grade Division semi-finals and Championship game. The girls were victorious in both games and took home the Championship Trophy. For more information regarding MLK go to the “Tournament Results” section.
Monday, January 16
Lightning are tripped up
In what will be a highly competitive league (6th Grade Metro League) for the girls to compete in they lost to the Cougars, 35-18 for their first league loss. It was apparent that it will be hard to beat older, bigger, stronger, faster and quicker teams like the Cougars. Still it's games like these that will make all of the girls better.
Sunday, January 22
Lightning notch two more victories
The girls played two games this weekend. Saturday's game was in the Rockwood League against the Jacobs team. The Lightning beat them for the second time this season, the score was 31-5. Eight out of ten girls scored which showed a balanced attack, but play was a little sloppy at times.
Sunday night the girls had their last Incarnate Word Tournament game being match up against the St. Louis Venom (6th Gr.). To say the play in this game was sloppy would be an understatment. Even though the score was 30-11 in favor of our girls it was an ugly game. The Venom committed many unforced errors including several traveling and double dribble infractions. Again the scoring was spread around with 7 out of 10 girls scoring.
The girls have a light week ahead with only one practice and one game on Saturday. Hopefully a little rest will but them it good shape for the weeks ahead.
Sunday, March 5
March Madness Tournament CHAMPS!!!
The Lighting competed in the St. Louis Rockets March Madness Tournament this weekend and took top honors for their division (5th Grade Girls). Check out TOURNAMENT RESULTS for more on the story.
Sunday, March 5
Lightning hold onto No. 2 Spot
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 2
3. Swoosh (Springfield) 3
4. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 4
5. Xtreme (Kansas City) 5
6. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 6
7. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 7
8. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) 8
9. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 9
10. Hot Shots (Springfield) 10
Saturday, January 28
Weekend Victory
Saturdays game got off to a slow start for the Lightning as they fell behind early 10-5, but in about the last 5 minutes the girls answered back with 9 straight points before half time to take a 14-10 lead. The team came out of the half time with a strong performance adding to their lead only to see them play sloppy basketball toward the end of the game and allow their opponents to finish within four, final score 30-26. Lightning are now 7-0 in Rockwood League play.
It’s back to the gym for the girls this coming week as they will have two practices and none to soon with the play witness today.
Wednesday, February 1
Lightning move to No. 2 in latest rankings
The team has reached their highest ranking to date, and we could not be happier for their accomplishment, way to go girls!
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 3
3. Swoosh (Springfield) 4
4. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 2
5. Xtreme (Kansas City) 5
6. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 6
7. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 7
8. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) NR
9. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 8
10. Hot Shots (Springfield) 9
Saturday, February 4
Lightning move closer to Rockwood Title
The team took another step closer to their second Rockwood League Championship in as many years with a win over the Beasley team. The girls did their typical, start-slow, finish-big, act again and won 38-15, after leading 14-5 at the half. Nobody stood out individually but everyone contributed (all but one player scored). The Lightning are now 8-0 in league play with two games left to play.
Tuesday, February 7
LIGHTNING SQUEEZE OUT WIN
The 6th grade Rockets, a part of one of the finest girls basketball programs in the Midwest were the Lightnings opponent last night. In this Metro League game that saw some terrible officiating against both teams the Lightning won again. The girls trailed at halftime 22-16 to the Rockets and did not play fundamental basketball. More of the same in the second half, but thanks to Erin’s 12 points (20 points overall) and her overall hustle she carried the team on her back to a 28 to 27 victory. This is one time it was truly a one girl show, especially in the second half. The Lightning are now 2-1 in Metro League play.
Saturday, February 11
Lightning Win 9th Rockwood League Game
The team took another step closer to an undefeated Rockwood Season. There opponent was the High Rockwood team that has given the girls good games in the past. It was a very competitive game from the beginning with the Lightning ending the half with the lead, 14-11. The second half was as competitive as the first with some good hard nose basketball being played on both ends of the floor by the Lightning. The girls pulled away at the end securing a 27-19 triumph. Ashley had a high game of 13 points, with Hayley contributing 6 points and Alexis playing some great defense. This now puts the team at 9-0 for the season with only one game left to play. Hopefully the girls can secure a victory next week and keep their undefeated Rockwood season in tact, as well as their second straight Rockwood League championship.
Monday, February 13
Lightning Win 7th Straight
After a slow start the Lightning took control and played with determination to roll off a 37-27 victory over the Trojanettes. This was the 4th Winter Metro League game of the season, raising the teams record to 3-1. The girls played with speed and executed very well. The offensive players of the game were Anna with 10 points, Erin contributing 7 points, with a total of 9 of 10 girls scoring. The offense worked the ball around well and looked for the open shot often. The defensive players of the game were, Carly, Mikayla, Erin, all having steals and forcing their opponents into many turnover violations. Great job girls, keep playing the way you are....
Saturday, March 11
Lightning Girls resume Metro League play, notch 4th Win
The girls returned to the Playing Field on Saturday and played the Trojan Nets for the first time. Missing both Erin and Melanie the Lightning were at a height disadvantage, but did have Alexis. To Erin’s credit she came to cheer and support her teammates despite her injury. It was great seeing you Erin!!!
As for the game the height was an issue earlier on. The girls had a hard time making shots, and were taken out of their rhythm early. Contributing to the poor play was unforced errors on offense and defensive break downs as well. The Lightning hung in there though and did not quit and were only down 24-15 at half time.
The one thing about this team they did not quit and gave the Trojan Nets a real game in the second half. Chipping away at the lead with some excellent defense the Lightning forced jump balls, steals, blocks, and rebounds. Alexis had a stellar game (19 points) on both ends of the floor and when she wasn’t scoring she was rebounding. Carly contributed some great defense on her part with Mikayla playing one of her best games ever. Down the stretch Hayley hit some key free throws and Alexis took it strong to the hoop in the dying seconds to put the Lightning up by two. Mikayla added a free throw with 8 seconds left and the girls finished the game with the ball in Chaley’s hands as time expired. It was one of the most exciting games of the year as the girls out scored their opponents 21-9 in the second half to take a hard fought victory 36 to 33. OH BABY, WHAT A GAME!!!
Saturday, March 18
That's 15 in a row as Lightning extend streak
Saturday’s game had some mediocre officiating that led to a few girls picking up some knocks in the game. This is when it is especially hard to play as the officials make the game very nasty, do to their inconsistencies.
Not to blame the officiating entirely it was terrible field goal shooting (3 out of 21) that hurt the team mostly in the beginning. Still the girls finished the first half with a 10-10 score. Regrouping at half time the Lightning came out with improve shooting (72%) and posted a hard fought 30-27 victory over the Trojanettes from Troy.
The offensive players of the game were Alexis who scored 11 points while shooting 5 of 6 from the foul line, and Ashley who scored 11 points while shooting 3 of 6 from the foul line.
The defensive player was Alexis who blocked several shots and pulled down many rebounds. Overall she played brilliant on both ends of the floor before fouling out toward the end of the game.
The girls are currently 5-1 in Metro League play and will now get ready for the AAU Prelims next weekend.
Saturday, March 25
AAU Prelims
The Lightning received their first taste of AAU Basketball this weekend, and it was an eye opening experience.
The first game was against St. Louis Gameface and the girls played up and down, but in the end were still able to claim a 38-18 victory. This win extended the teams winning streak to 16 in a row, and broke the previous record of 15 established in fall 2005.
Next up for the Lightning were the St. Louis Sparks and immediately the all around size of their opponents affected our girls. The team played tentative and passive throughout the game and suffered a hard lose of 46-22, to bigger girls.
Sunday, March 26
AAU Prelims (continued)
Qualifying for the loser bracket due to Saturdays results the Lightning were matched against the Gateway Thunder (Future Lady Lancers). In the first quarter the girls established a 9-6 lead, but saw it quickly disappear in the second quarter as they were out scored 12-2 due to very sloppy play. With a half time deficit of 18-11 things got even worse as the Gateway Thunder out hustled and outscored our girls 29-16 in the last two quarters. When the horn finally sounded the Lightning had suffered their second lose in a row, 47-27.
In summary it was apparent that the size (Sparks) and quickness (Gateway Thunder) of the competition was more than the girls could handle. If the team continues to compete at this level (AAU) they will have to execute better and play smarter basketball. Either way this is still one very good basketball team for their age.
Wednesday, March 29
Lightning Suffer 3rd Loss in a Roll
It was back to Metro League action on Wednesday night with the Lightning taking on the St. Louis Cougars. The team dropped their third straight game in a row at the hands of the Cougars by at score of 27-16. Early on our team played sloppy by giving away the ball early and often. Before they knew it the Cougars had posted a 13-1 lead on them. In the end the Lightning could not make up the deficit. The key to this game was simply points off turn-overs whether with poor passing, losing control of the ball, or letting themselves be trapped. The girls will just have to focus a little harder next time.
Monday, April 3
Games Cancelled
The Lightning had two games cancelled Monday due to power outage at The Playing Field (Vetta). The girls were suppose to play a double header, one game against the Trojan Nets and the other versus the St. Louis Cougars. We will have to wait now to see when the games will be rescheduled. Up next for the girls are the AAU Ozark District Championships this weekend. Join me in wishing the girls good luck.
Monday, April 10
Lightning drop a spot, still best in St. Louis
Latest rankings.
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. Swoosh (Springfield) 3
3. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 2
4. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 4
5. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 7
6. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 6
7. Xtreme (Kansas City) 5
8. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) 8
9. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 9
10. Hot Shots (Springfield) 10
Sunday, April 9
AAU Ozark District Championships
The Lightning competed in the AAU District Championships on Saturday and Sunday at Fort Zumwalt North High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. This was the first time for the team and they played in the U11 and under division. Under the age rules, girls born in or after 1994 are qualified to play, thusly 12 year olds can play. The games were much like the Prelims, with the Lightning playing against older, bigger, quicker, hand picked girls. Still they played well and finished 4th out of seven teams and gained some valuable experience. For more on this story go to the TOURNAMENT RESULTS section.
Saturday, April 22
Lightning tip-off Metro Spring League
What a game! The Lightning's first game of the Spring League saw the Lightning posting a 49-42 over a Webster Groves High (6th Grade) feeder team. In a game that lacked defense it was good to see the offense clicking on all cylinders with good passing and working the ball around. The girls went into halftime down 22-19, but turned it up a notch in the second half out scoring their opponents 30-20 in the period. The team posted some amazing numbers hitting 19 out of 27 field goals for a 70.4 percentage, and hitting 11 out of 17 from the charity stripe for 64.7 percent. The offense was lead by Ashley who was perfect for the game, 7-7 field goals and 2-2 free throws (16 points). Erin contributed as well with 5-6 from the field, and 4-7 from the free throw line (14 points). Alexis went 3-4 from the field and hit 3-6 free throws (10 points). Let's not forget the other six girls who contributed with some great play as well. It's a team game and it was great to see them all working together. FANTASTIC JOB GIRLS!!!
Wednesday, April 26
Sloppy Play Leads to Loss
Lightning girls dropped their first Spring Metro League game Wednesday to the Future Lady Lancers (6th Grade) by a score of 33-12. The key to this game was points off turn-overs. The Lady Lancers converted often off our bad passes and took advantage of the many traveling violations as well.
Offensively we made bad decisions and did not move the ball well leading to our lack of field goal attempts. As for the defense we were slow getting back, thusly giving the Lancers to much time to set up. In general the Lightning were not sharp and lacked concentration.
The girls will just have to put this game behind them and FOCUS a little harder next time.
Sunday, May 7
Lightning slip a spot in latest rankings
May rankings.
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. Swoosh (Springfield) 2
3. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 4
4. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) 8
5. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 3
6. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 5
7. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 6
8. Hoopstars Midwest (Chesterfield) NR
9. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 9
10. Xtreme (Kansas City) 7
Friday, May 12
Time Runs Out on Comeback
After only being down by 5 points at the end of the first half our Lightning were unable to complete the comeback. They lost their second game of the Spring Metro League by a score of 44-42, to the Future Lady Patriots. Even though the Patriots were a grade up on our girls they did not have the size we have become to expect of older girls. What the Patriots did bring to the court was a very discipline passing game. On offense they worked with precision passing inside, outside, and across court. Most times they were not rattled by our pressure, but on a few occassion we were able to get a few steals. The opponents did not have one girl stand out, as much as their offensive play where all the players got a touch on the ball. This is what basketball is all about, passing! There was no excessive dribbling for no reason, all of their offense had purpose. A tip of the hat goes to the Pats. The only critism would be of their defense, perhaps average at best. This is the missing piece of the puzzle for the Pats. The difference from being a good 6th grade team, to being an excellent one.
Saturday, May 13
2006 Metro League Standings
| TEAM |
GP |
W |
L |
PF |
PA |
PCT |
| Lady Lancers |
2 |
2 |
0 |
76 |
38 |
1.000 |
| Lady Patriots (Haring) |
4 |
3 |
1 |
134 |
132 |
.750 |
| St. Louis Lightning |
3 |
1 |
2 |
103 |
119 |
.333 |
| Kirkwood |
1 |
0 |
1 |
24 |
30 |
.000 |
| AAA Northstars |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
| Attack (High) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
| Lady Patriots II |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
| Lady Lancers (5th/6th) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
| Webster Groves |
2 |
0 |
2 |
65 |
83 |
.000 |
Thursday, May 18
Lightning back on winning track
The Lightning put up an impressive 41-18 win on Thursday night to put the skids to their two game losing streak. What was most impressive they did it with only five players. Due to conflicts and injuries six girls were unable to make the game. Not only was the team short players, but both coaches were unable to attend. Dennis S. was called to duty and obviously did a great job filling in as the coach.
Thursday, May 25
Lightning drop another one
Our Lightning girls came out slow giving up 7 unanswered points to start the game. The final score was Lady Patriots 24, Lightning 20. The difference in the game was lack of focus during crucial times. Every time we would work hard and get close a defensive break down would lead to an easy two points for the opponents. The offense was limited to Erin, Alexis and Ashley as they were the only ones to put up points. The defense had their moments with deflecting passes and making steals, but in the end it was not enough. The girls will just have to keep working hard and try to get them next time.
Sunday, May 28
Lightning strike for two weekend wins
The Lightning played two Spring Metro League games this past weekend and were victorious in both. The girls played another Lady Patriots team on Saturday and won 28-21. Then it was back to the court on Sunday against the Northstars with the girls posting a 43-29 win. The girls will have a few days off and then finish the Spring League this Thursday.
Thursday, June 1
Lightning finish Spring Season with Win
The Lightning finished their 2006 Spring Metro League with a win on Thursday night. They defeated the Attack 36-28 and finished the season with 5 wins and 3 loses, not bad for competing against older girls. Next up for the Lighting will be the Lou Style III tournament at Forest Park Community College on June 9-11.
Thursday, June 8
LIGHTNING hold on to 5th spot
JUNE Rankings.
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. Swoosh (Springfield) 2
3. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) 4
4. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 3
5. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 5
6. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 6
7. Hoopstars Midwest (Chesterfield) 8
8. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 7
9. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 9
10. Xtreme (Kansas City) 10
Thursday, June 8
Summer League Tips Off
The girls played their first game of the summer league and posted a 34-32 victory over the Northwest HS feeder team. Our team gave up a big height advantage to their opponents as they were one and two years older. It was a close game from beginning to end, but the girls played hard and earned their victory.
Sunday, June 11
St. Louis Lightning girls show their dominance over local competition (5-0)
Returning to their age group for the Lou Style III Tournament (sponsored by Northstars Basketball) the Lightning once again raised the championship trophy. In the St. Louis area the Lightning are tops if not the very best for their age. There is not a girl over 11 years old on this team at present and that should be much cause for concern to other teams their age. Check out TOURNAMENT RESULTS for more on the story.
Thursday, June 15
Lightning’s winning streak ends at 10
The team played two recent games in their summer league and split them. On Tuesday evening the girls posted a 26-16 victory, and on Wednesday night the Lightning went into double overtime before finally losing 34-32 to end their win streak. Both games were very sloppy and showed the need for the girls to head back to the practice gym.
Monday, June 19
Lightning back on track
The girls are back in the win column with a 28-23 victory tonight in their summer league game against the Falcons. Tied at half time 14-14 the girls hung tough and finally were able to finish the game strong by out scoring their opponent 14-9 in the second half. Offensively the girls played good distributing the ball well as many girls got in to the scoring column.
The Lightning were suppose to had played a double header, but traveling to the other gym most of the team were stuck in construction traffic and the game was cancelled. Next league game is Thursday evening.
Thursday, June 22
Lightning roll
In their second summer league game for the week the girls roll past the Lafayette (Beasley) team 38-16. Lightning sped off to a 10-0 lead early only to see the half finish up with a 16-10 advantage. Once again playing better in the second half the girls put away their opponents by outscoring them 22-6 in the second half. Points off turnovers were a big part of that, whether forcing traveling or stealing the ball. The team is now 4-1 in league play, not bad for the youngest team in the league. Next up is the MAYB Farmington tournament this weekend.
Sunday, June 25
Lightning take their lumps in MAYB Southeast Classic
Playing in the 5th/6th Grade Girls Division the team found it tough going as many of the older teams from last years tournament were entered. Their was only one other team our age in this tournament and that was the Lightnings only win. The four loses the team suffered were to all older and bigger girls. The offense was not much off, but the same can't be said for the defensive play. For the tournament the Lightning averaged scoring 30 points a game and allowed 34. The 10 games proceeding the tournament the girls had average scoring 34 while only allowing 22. Looks like the girls need to work on their defense if they hope to have much success in the upcoming Show-Me State games. For more information regarding the MAYB Classic check out the TOURNAMENT RESULTS (includes a few stats).
Thursday, July 6
Still Holding At No. 5
JULY Rankings.
MISSOURI BASKETBALL RANKINGS - 5th Grade Girls
1. J.I. Banker (St. Joseph) 1
2. St. Louis Crusaders (St. Louis) 3
3. Swoosh (Springfield) 2
4. Missouri Valley Magic (Springfield) 6
5. St. Louis Lightning (Ballwin) 5
6. KC Thundercats (Kansas City) 4
7. Mathews Dickey Hoops (St. Louis) NR
8. Northstars (St. Louis) NR
9. Derrty Ballers (St. Louis) 8
10. St. Louis Cougars (St. Louis) 9
Courtesy of Missouri Girls Basketball Rankings
Monday, July 17
Show-Me State Games Schedule Posted (Revised)
Looks like a light turn out for the U11 Competitive Girls Basketball this year at the Show-Me State Games with only 4 teams. Still a great group of teams are represented for this competition. Four of the top six teams in the state will be featured. Teams are as follows:
No. 2 - St. Louis Crusaders
No. 3 - Missouri Swoosh (Springfield, MO)
No. 5 - St. Louis Lightning
No. 6 - Kansas City Thundercats
Check "Schedules & Scores" for dates and times.
Finals will be played on Sunday as all teams will advance to a single-elimination bracket. Seeding will be determined by group play results.
Tuesday, July 11
Lightning suffer worse defeat in a year
Not since June 2005 at the Farmington tournament have our girls been so decisively beaten. On Tuesday night the Lightning went down to defeat by a final score of 44-14 at the hands of their nemesis the Future Lady Lancers (7th grade team). In the last six meetings the Lightning have only been able to beat this team once. It is true they are a year older, but they seem to have something on us that other teams a year older don't. It is time to regroup as the Show-Me State games are just around the corner. Looks like some practice time has been scheduled for next week. Let's hope there is enough time to refocus and put on a good showing for the upcoming tournament.
Tuesday, July 18
Our Girls Finish Summer League With Win
The Lightning girls finished up the Marquette Summer League with a victory over the Future Lady Lancers (Beasley), 38-25. The team started out strong and built a 20-6 halftime lead before trading points in the second half with their opponent. The girls finished the league with a 7-2 record, a great job considering most of the teams were a grade older. Next up for the girls will be some practice as the Show-Me State Games start this Friday, July 21, in Columbia, MO.
Wednesday, July 12
Back in Win column
In a close game the girls won their sixth game out of eight played in the Summer League. Their opponent were Parkway (Game Face) and the game was a hard fought affair.
Sunday, July 23
Show-Me State Games (Highs and Lows)
The Lightning competed in the Show-Me State Games this weekend and walked away with the bronze medal. It was truly a weekend of highs and lows. The expectations were high, but the competition was stiff. The team won two games and lost two, the last being in the semi-final game by one point. For more information regarding the tournament go to TOURNAMENT RESULTS. All in all the girls had a very fun weekend and will now take next month off.
Monday, July 24
Season comes to an end
The Lightning's basketball 2005-06 season has come to an end and looking back on it the team has to be pleased. During the last 12 months the girls have played a total of 89 games and won 66 of those games for an overall winning percentage of .742 (includes 61 games against older girls). They have been crowned champions 7 times, with 5 tournament titles and 2 league titles. What else can be said, it was one very successful season.
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