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Monday, November 2 College Letters of Interest Keep Pouring into our LadyStars Mailboxes!! The 2009 AAU Season was a great season for our girls and the Letters of Interest from College Coach's are a testiment of the talent that our teams displayed this year!! The following players have recieved letters(that are not in any particular order) from College Coach's : Alexis Eckles - Rufus King (2012):
Sophie Lichte - Reedsburg High (2012)
Sydney Howard - Vincent High (2012)
Jennifer Blunt - Riverside High (2011)
Nateira Martin - Milwaukee Vincent (2010)
Nafeshia Holified - Milwaukee Vincent (2012)
Lexi Weitzer - Waukesha South (2013)
Wednesday, July 22 2009 LadyStars Spring/Summer Tournament Schedule -Revised
July 22nd REVISED Our last July NCAA Event is the USJN End of Summer!!
We would like to announce our REVISED proposed* 2009 Spring/Summer AAU Schedule:
1. April 4-5th For the Game(FTG) Spring Championship I - Libertyville, IL;16U &14U ** 2. April 18-19th USJN Windy City Classic (NCAA Event) - Waukegan, IL; 15U only
3. April 26th ( 4. May 2nd (Sat only) BluePrint SAS 17U AAU Team Showcase - Waunakee, WI May 2-3rd FTG Spring Championship III - Libertyville, IL; 14/15U Only MAY 9TH SUMMER SESSION BEGINS- SUMMER INSTALLMENT IS DUE 5 May 9-10th USSSA Hardwood Classic - South Milwaukee, WI. 17U Only
6. May 15-17 Millwaukee Spring Shootout - MSOE, Milwaukee, WI 14U & 17U ** 7. May 30-31st FTG Spring Championship Finals - Libertyville, IL 17U & 14/15U
7. 8. June 6-7th SSNC Pony Midwest Championship - Milwaukee, WI. 14U only ** 9. June 12-14th USSSA Midwest Challenge - Des Moines, Iowa 14U Only **
10. June 26-28th Badger State Games - Appleton, WI 14U only (Blue Team) 10. June 27th DePaul University Team Camp - Chicago, IL 15U/16U Invite only 11. June 28th Marquette University Elite Player Camp - Milwaukee, WI. Invite only 12. July 6-8th Adidas USA Classic (NCAA Event) - Indianapolis, IN 15U Invite only 13. July 11-14th Nike Summer Showcase (NCAA Event)Chicago, IL 15U Invite only
14. July 18-19th FTG Summer Final Championships - Gurnee, IL Varsity only **
15. July 29-31st USJN Summer Final(NCAA Event)-Waukegan,IL (16U Team) 16. Oct 1-3rd USJN Battle of the AAU Programs (NCAA Event) - Chicago, IL. 16U Only * Subjected to Change ** Won Tournament Championships Practice Schedule to follow this week, Generally Sundays on off tournament weekends and Saturday's on Holiday weekends.
Friday, April 17 Lenae Rash Signs Letter of Intent with National JUCO Champion Kirkwood JUCO!!
April 17, 2009
Congratulations to Lenae Rash (one of our 2 LadyStars Seniors) the 1st team All-Conference and leading scorer for D1 State runner-up Milwaukee Rufus King, today formally committed to the JUCO National Champions, Kirkwood Junior College of Iowa City, Iowa. Lenae was being recruited by DePaul University, Loyola University, and others yet had to take the JUCO route...she selected the National Champions over D1 JUCO State Fair of Missouri!! Marquette University currently has 2 Kirkwood JUCO graduates on their roster. Lenae will join our other Senior, Alexis Steward1st team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State (who earlier committed to the University of Chicago) from Sheboygan North on our 16/17U team until they leave for college this fall. Again, Congratulations to Lenae and her family!!
Coach Dale Gilliam
Sunday, April 5 LadyStars 16U team Wins the" For The Game" Spring Championship I Varsity Division Tournament
April 5, 2009
The LadyStars 16U team won it's first tournament of the 2009 AAU Season by going 5-0 in the FTG Spring Championship I Varsity Division this weekend in Libertyville, IL. The team was lead by the outstanding play of several key players including: Teaira Martin (2nd team All-Conference State Champions Vincent High, 2010) who averaged about 15 points per game!! Nana, as we call her, was a force on the block that could not be stopped!! Super Freshman Nafeshia Holifield (Milwaukee Vincent transfer from Shorewood High, 2012) was just a "beast" on the boards...she probably averaged double digit rebounds every game. Her athleticism and on the ball aggession while leading our pressure defense is unlike any player that I have coached in 15 years!! Our guard play from Super Freshmen Alexis Eckles(Rufus King, D1 State Runner-up, 2012) and Sydney Howard (Milwaukee Vincent, D1 State Champions, 2012) was consistent all weekend...they both scored well and ran our offense and defensive sets flawlessly!! Players that also played well included Super Freshman Sophie Lichte (Honorable Mention All-Conference Reedsburg, 2012) who hit several big baskets in the championship game, 6'2 Jennifer Blunt (Riverside High, 2011) helped Nafeshia and Sophie control the boards. Jennifer ran the floor well for a 6'2 Center!! One of our newest additions, Shelby Roth (Oakfield High, 2010) gave us some solid backup minutes at both guard positions, and hit several big shots to keep our momentum going!! Ayisha Bentley-Joiner (Hamilton High, 2009) provided lots of energy and aggressiveness at the small forward position and played well too!! Our 14U team went 2-2 during the weekend, while winning their last 2 games. The team has several new additions, including two outstanding new Freshman 6'2 Karly Barnes (Milwaukee Vincent, 2012), and Holly Holm (Shoreland Lutheran, 2012). Those two players along with the 6'0 Wong Twins Jazmin Wong (Milwaukee Hamilton, Team MVP, 2012) and Jade Wong (Milwaukee Hamilton, 2012) just kept making plays to get the team back on track...once the team chemistry is developed...they will be a force in the 14U/JV team tournaments!!
Coach Dale Gilliam
The LadyStars Heavily Represented in The 2009 WIAA State Finals
March 13, 2009
The Wisconsin LadyStars were "in the house" representing our Program last night during the D1 quartefinals!! Lenae Rash (DePaul U, Kirkwood JUCO, and State Fair JUCO recruit) lead Milwaukee Rufus King in scoring with 21 points in a hard fought victory over Marshfield HS. Tierra(Beastie Nana) Martin scored 10 of Vincent's first 19 points as Vincent raced to a 19-2 lead over Neenah HS and coasted to victory. Nana lead Vincent with 14 points and 5 rebounds. We also had several other significant players to impact the game. Our Super Freshman, Sydney Howard (#43) of Milwaukee Vincent, and Alexis Eckles (#24) of Milwaukee Rufus King, played significant roles as the 6th man(or should I say person) for both teams!! They are our starting guard tandem for our LadyStar 15U team, and played up 16U last year as 13U's!! Sydney graced the cover (see attached) of today's Milwaukee Journal Sports Section, in making one of her signature drives to the basket!! Both Sydney and Alexis have started various games this year as Freshman!! Milwaukee Vincent (back to back State Champs) and Milwaukee King are on a crash course for an historic all MPS D1 Girls State Championship game tomorrow night...racing for the Gold Ball!! I dare not wager a guess who may win when this historic event occurs...yet one thing that we do know...The Wisconsin LadyStars WILL be "in the HOUSE" representing our Program!! We would also like to congratulate our former players that populate both teams, including Rachel Story from Milwaukee King, and Ashley Birts, Chelan Landry, Ashante Benson, and Toni Holt from Milwaukee Vincent. Lastly, one of our other key Super Freshman 6'0 Sophie Lichte, honorable mention All Conference for Reedsburg HS(Wisconsin Dells area) was in the house supporting her teammates!! Sophie was a freshman to started every game with 4 Seniors as Reedsburg was 1 game from advancing to the State D1 State tournament!! Sophie also grace the Wisconsin Sports Network's (WSN) Kids Sports Illustrated as a key Freshman in Wisconsin!! Kudo's to Sophie and her family!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Sunday, February 15 Super Freshman Sophie Lichte makes Honorable Mention All-Conference and WSN Sports Illustrated
March 6, 2009
Another one of our LadyStars Super Freshman, Sophie Lichte was recently honored. Sophie was named Honorable Mention All-Conference in the Badger North Division!! In addition, she started as the Power Forward for all of Reedsburg HS(Wisconsin Dells Area) varsity games along with 4 Seniors. Reedsburg lost in the Final Four of their Sectional, which could have landed Sophie in the Madison at the State Tournament!! Sophie was also highlighted in the "up and Coming Freshman" section of the Wisconsin Sports Network(WSN)'s Sports Illustrated!! The WSN Sports Illustrated reads as follows: "This 5-10 freshman is starting to make a name for herself within the Badger North Conference. She is averaging seven points and eight rebounds this season and is a starter on one of the top teams in D2. Sophie spends her summers playing AAU with the Wisconsin Lady Stars and was even invited to the Adidas Phenom Camp in San Diego. Outside of basketball, Sophie has managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA so far in her high school career, while also participating in soccer and tennis. As Reedsburg looks to get to the state tournament and this freshman gains some valuable experience, the sky is the limit. Keep an eye on Lichte as she’s sure to continue to be a force in the Badger North for years to come." Sophie has played with the LadyStars since she was a 6th grader always playing up several grade levels. Her family's commitment level is great in that they drive down weekly from the Dells area for practices and tournaments...that commitment is paying off in a big way, and we look forward to Sophie continuing to play a BIG part in the success of the LadyStars Program!! Sunday, February 8 LadyStars Attend #1 ranked UCONN vs. Marquette U Game
February 8, 2009
Our LadyStars watched the #1 ranked UCONN Huskies play a very physical, uptempo game against Marquette University at the Al McGuire Center on yesterday. We coordinate these games to provide our girls with an actual view of the "next level" of play!! The conditioning and weight training that goes into playing at the next level is tremendous. The shear size, quickness and length (wing span) of the UCONN players, who tend to be the top players in their class at their position was a distinct advantage over the Marquette players. The Marquette players hung in their for the first 15 minutes of the game, yet the UCONN intensity caught up, and their superior foot speed and strength took over for the balance of the game. We would like to thank Head Coach Terri Mitchell and Asst. Coach Cara Consuegra for again providing ou girls the opportunity to watch the Big East in action. We have a long standing relationship with the Marquette Women's program, with both Tierra Shirley(New Berlin West) and Dawnisha Smith(Milwaukee Washington) graduating last year. Next up, is the March 2nd Marquette vs. Louisville game at the Al Mcguire center. Louisville is the university that one of our former players(7-9th grade), Rachel Story(Milwaukee King) recently signed to attend, and one of our Alumni Helen Johnson(Milwaukee Washington) graduated from last year. Helen is playing women's professional basketball overseas in England.
2009 LadyStars AAU Spring Session Last Tryout/Team Selection Session
March 21, 2009 Dear Parents/Players: The 2009 Wisconsin LadyStars last Spring Session Tryout/Team Selection/Parent Meeting will be held Sunday March 22nd, from 4-7 PM at our home practice gym, St. Aloyious, 92nd and Greenfield, just west of the State Fair Park. We will periodically add players during the season, after the tryouts, based on the needs of each respective team. We are always looking to add to our current returning players on the following teams: 13U/14U/7-8th-9th grade 15U/9-10th grade 16U/10th-11th-12th grade There may be some overlap on some teams, based on the skill level and overall potential of the player. Our first tournament will be April 4th in Libertyville, and April 25-26th in Madison, WI. for all teams. Schedules will be distributed via email on next week after Sunday's last team selection session. Practice starts next Sunday!! Spring Installments are due March 22nd...NO ACCEPTIONS, unless arrangements are made with Coach Gilliam!! Tournaments have to be paid for in advance of tournament dates, most key ones are done NOW!! Our 15U team will play in the NCAA certified USJN Windy City Classic on April 17-19th in Waukegan and Gurnee, Illinois. Last year Alexis Steward (Sheboygan North, University of Chicago Signee, Honorable Mention All-State) and Sydney Howard (Milwaukee Vincent 3-time back to back State Champions, Super Varsity Freshman) made the Windy City Classic All Tournament team. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (414-264-1400). We will see you on Sunday's 4-7 PM...Become a Star...a Wisconsin LadyStar!!
Coach Dale Gilliam, Executive Director Sunday, February 8 Gabby Levac Cross Country/Track Letters of Interest Watch...and counting...
February 8, 2009
If you have been watching the Arrowhead High School Varsity basketball box scores in JSONLINE, and wondered where is Wisconsin LadyStars tri-captain Gabby Levac...we have the scoop!! Gabby and her family decided this fall that although she had collegiate interest in her basketball skills, that her "legs" not jump shot provided the greatest opportunity for her to gain that full college scholarship!! Gabby won the Division 1 State Cross Country Gold Medal this fall! She is the #1 female Cross Country runner in the State!! She has garnered 40+ letters of interest from some of the top Educational Institutions in the US to run Cross Country/Track!! A small sample of the depth of the schools are as follows: Princeton, Stanford, Harvard, Wisconsin, Duke, Notre Dame, Columbia, MIT, Caltech, Northwestern, and Purdue. We are very proud of Gabby and her accomplishments!! She is probably the most competitive girl that I have ever coached, and her will and drive to win are second to none!! We hope that she will return to the LadyStars for her Junior summer, after track season ends in June...YET if she does not we certainly understand. Those legs and knees are the part of her ticket to that College Scholarship!! Oh, by the way did I mention that she carries a 3.92 Cummulative GPA with mostly AP classes!! Just Gabby being Gabby...competeing to be one of the top students in her class, at Arrowhead High...always working hard on the court, on the track, on the hills and in the classroom to be the best!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Friday, February 6 Janelle Adams Returns to Milwaukee in Cleveland State vs. UWM Plays Key Role in Win!!
February 6, 2009
The Wisconsin LadyStars welcomed home one of their own, Janelle Adams a scholarshiped Freshman with D1 Cleveland State University from the Horizon League. Cleveland State has a very tight rotation of only about 7-8 players, yet Janelle cam in late in the game to spark the team with a BIG basket and several key rebounds and steals..."vintage" Janelle Adams!! We were all proud that she played well and looked well with the new founded muscles that come with the D1 weight training programs. We would like to thank Head Coach Botham and Asst. Coach Motherwell from UWM for providing tickets for our girls who could attend. It was a tough night, in that it was a school night, yet several of our players cam out to support Janelle in her successful homcoming!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Saturday, January 24 Alexis Steward signs with the University of Chicago
January 24, 2009 The Wisconsin LadyStars family would like to congratulate Alexis Steward (Sheboygan North, ranked 5th in the State) in her recent signing to play collegiate basketball with the University of Chicago. The University of Chicago is one of the top rated educational institutions in the USA!! I met the head coach along with Alexis's family during a recent game, and he is really looking forward to Alexis helping his team. One of our former players, Megan Herrick(Cedarburg HS '08) is also a current freshman starter at the University of Chicago, and that guard tandem will make lots of noise in their conference in the future!! Again, congratulations to Alexis and her family...they have always placed God first in their decisions, and He has blessed them with one of the top Universities in the USA!! Monday, August 4 Sophie Lichte and Sydney Howard Seleted to Play in the Adidas Phenom Camp in San Diego, Ca
August 4, 2008 Congratulations to Sophie Lichte and Sydney Howard on being selected to play in the Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp in San Diego, Ca July 31-Aug 2nd 2008. They both played very well and represented the LadyStars family well as our first 2 Phenom selections. They played together on the top 8th grade team, with and against some of the top 8th graders in the US!! Their team only lost 1 game all weekend!! I also had the pleasure of being asked to coach one of the teams that weekend too. my team played well although I had never practiced with any of the players. They were all very good, and the drills and educational sessions were well worth the trip for all the girls that attended. Kudos to Coach Chuck Howard and Don Lichte(Sophie's dad) who made this trip happen for their daughters. They made the financial sacrifices and sat through long days that started at 8:00 am and ended most days around 10:00 pm!! The temperature was in the 100+ degree range in the gym, and the steel bleachers were vey uncomfortable...the things we do for our children!! Smile...Those 2 guys are invaluable...they help make things happen for the girls/families in our program!! Overall, a great weekend and Sydney was voted the 1st Alternate on the All-star team, and Sophie to the All-Defensive team...she controlled the boards out there!! If you or your daughter is interested in being nominated to the 2009 Jr. or HS Phenom Camp please let me know...they are VERY selective, yet we do have several other Phenom's in our program!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Tuesday, July 29 LadyStars Takes 4th in the AAU Junior Olympics in Detroit, Michigan
July 28, 2008 The Wisconsin Lady Stars AAU Basketball Club finished fourth at the AAU National Junior Olympics in Detroit, MI. July 28, 2008. The LadyStars represents a collaboration of diversity in action with urban and suburban players working hard together to achieve academic and athletic goals. We took (7) 8th graders, (2) 9th graders, (4) 10th graders, while playing in an Open Division against Seniors in high school!! AAU Junior Olympic Participants: Back row from left: Asst. Coach Chuck Howard, Annmarie Riva (Kenosha Tremper) , Nafeshia Holifield (Shorewood High), Natecia Martin (NOVA High), Jennifer Blunt (Riverside High), Nateria Martin (Vincent High), Jazmin Wong ( Milwaukee Hamilton ), Jade Wong ( Milwaukee Hamilton ), Gabrielle Levac (Hartland Arrowhead High), Asst. Coach Mike Riva, Coach Dale Gilliam,
Front row from left: Alexis Eckles (Rufus King High), Lenae Rash (Rufus King High), Taylor Atkinson (Franklin High), Andrea Gilliam (DaCula High, GA), and Sydney Howard (Vincent High).
Sunday, June 29 Both LadyStars Teams Strike Gold at the Badger State Games in Madison, WI.
June 29, 2008 The LadyStars Middle and High School teams exploded on the Madison scene by rolling over the competition to win the GOLD medals at the American Family Badger State Games!! Both teams played extremely well, and the middle school team overcame great adversity after losing starting point Raven Major to a concussion earlier in the week with her Pius league team, and Jade Wong to a severe sprained ankle during pool play. They finished the game with 6 players, since the other "Big 4" 8th graders play "up" with the high school team. Kudos to Coach Mike who coached a magnificent Championship game while challenging his team to come back from a 10 point deficit to win the GOLD!! The high school team was in high gear winning the first game 36-13, the second game 62-25 and the last game 52-15!! It was truly a dominating team performance by a solid team that is peaking with 4 straight championships in a ROLL!! Next up the Adidas Jamboree in Naperville, IL. July 6, 2008...with a night Showcase game against the powerful Chicago Hoops Express II team...we will be ready!!
Thursday, June 26 LadyStars (15U) Team Dismantles Wisconsin Playground (17U) in COA High School Championship Game!!
June 26, 2008
The Wisconsin LadyStars (15) team total outworked the Wisconsin Playground (17U) team tonight at the Children's Outing Association (COA) High School League Championship Game 36-22 NaNa Martin (Vincent HS 2010) was unstoppable, with 15 points and 20 rebounds!! Andrea Gilliam (DaCula High, Ga 2010), Gabby Levac (Arrowhead HS, LeHigh Recruit 2010) and Sydney Howard (Vincent HS 2012) controlled and created the pressure, and our new kid on the block, Alexis Eckles (Rufus King 2012) attacked the basket from all directions, including several unbelievable reverse layups. Jennifer Blunt (Riverside HS 2011, and Nafeshia Holifield (Shorewood HS 2012) worked with NaNa to control the backboards!! A total team effort...peaking at the right time as we prepare for the July NCAA Evaluation Period. Almost forgot...in the Final Four Game...the !5U's beat up on the Wisconsin Together 17U team!! Our girls held them to 2 first half points...2 free throws!! That team included Ashley Birts (Vincent 2009), Morgan Woods (USM 2008), LaQuisha Young (Hope School 2008), Mercedes Clayton (Riverside 2008), and Shavon Dillard (Hope School 2009)...they had NO answer for the "Young Guns"...they passed the mantle!! Kudo's to Janelle Adams who chose not to play against her LadyStars teammates, because as she said...she had her best AAU basketball years (2003-2007) with the LadyStars and could not play against us...she never did...that is loyalty...once a LadyStar...a LadyStar 4Life!! It was an ALL WI. LadyStars vs. WI. Playground Championship night!! Our middle school team lost to WI. Playground in the earlier game. The game was close most of the game until Playground made a down the stretch run...that we did not answer. We were without Alexis Eckles(Rufus King HS 2012), who played in the COA middle school league with her schhol team Siloah MS, and was not eligible to play...in addition Sophie Lichte (Reedsburg HS 2012) was at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. playing against Sparta, WI Top ranked HS summer team in an exhibition game before the MN. Lynx WNBA game...Sophie dominated with a double/double 15 points, and 15 rebounds...it certainly will be interesting when we see Playground's middle school team again...the Rivalry continues!! Monday, June 9 LadyStars Teams Roll over the Competition 9-0 to Become Laker Classic Champions!!
Dear Parents/Players: First and foremost, I would like to thank ALL the parents that braved the torrential rains, wind and flooding to make it to Saturday’s days…it is a testament of your commitment to you daughter’s development and our club!! We had a GREAT weekend, going 9-0 and winning 2 Championships in this weekend’s Laker Classic. Both teams were executing our plays very well, and playing as a unit. To beat 4 Lakers teams in a roll, all by double digits, is a great accomplishment, and we should all be very proud!! It is our 3rd consecutive tournament Championship, and our 4th overall this 2008 AAU season; including our 15-0 COA Middle School Winter League Championship in March. Now…on to the Badger State Games June 27-28th in Madison, WI…Let’s go for 5 in a roll!! For those players that play in the COA League the revised schedule is as follows: Monday June 9th (today) 6:45 PM High School LadyStars Vs. The Huskies Thursday June 12th 5:15 PM Middle School LadyStars Vs. Carson Academy COA refinishing the Gym Floor Saturday June 14- June 21, playoffs resume June 24th, 2008 Tuesday June 24th 6:00 PM Middle School Final Four Wednesday June 25th 6:00 PM High School Final Four Thursday June 25th 6:00 PM Middle School Championship Thursday June 25th 7:30 PM High School ChampionshipAgain, thank you all for your support, and I will see you all at you all at the COA games, or at practice next Saturday in a combined practice, which will be 4:00-7:00 PM for BOTH teams. We have several girls that will be missing over the next couple practices for different reasons, therefore it will be easier to scrimmage when we combine both teams. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Coach Dale Gilliam
Tuesday, June 3 LadyStars Teams complete the COA Regular Season #2 Seeds, headed into next week's Playoffs June 3, 2008 The Wisconsin LadyStars teams are headed to the Children'sOuting Association (COA) playoffs on next week as the #2 seeds after both finishing with 1 lost during the regular season. The 15U teams only lost was to the Wisconsin Together 16U team in Overtime, yet we beat there 17U team by 8. We also beat Wisconsin Playgrounds 17U team by 7 in a close game, while we both had only 1 lost, and we gave them their only lost, we came into the league after the 3rd game; therefore they were 11-1 and we were 9-1, generating the #2 seed for us. Both teams will start playoffs next week, the 15U team will play on next Monday at 6:45, the 13U/8th graders playoff schedule will follow. COA is located on 24th and Burleigh if anyone is intersted in seeing the highly competitive play offs!! Coach Dale Gilliam Wednesday, May 28 15U Win the For The Game (FTG) Curtis Hawkins Memorial Championship!!
May 27, 2008 Congratulations to our 15U team players with the help of a couple key 13U players as we won this weekend’s FTG Curtis Hawkins Memorial Championship at UW-Parkside!! Both Saturday games were close against Wisconsin Pride and the Racine Thunder (featuring Super Freshman Sam Logic), yet the team came out on Sunday and decisively won both games against the Lake County Challengers, the last game against the Illinois Magic 53-21!! All the girls played well together!! After getting to either the Championship or Final Four in all our previous tournaments, it was great to get a BIG Championship as we move closer to the July NCAA Evaluation Period!! Now we have to keep the Championship streak going as both teams get ready this Sunday at practice for next weekend’s Laker’s Classic tournament June 6-8, in Waukesha.
Thursday, May 29 15U LadyStars Receive At Large Bid to 2008 AAU National Junior Olympics in Detroit, Michigan!! May 23, 2008 Dear 15U Parents/Players:
I have some very exciting news!! Now, not only is your daughter/you a Star...your daughter/you will be an AAU Olympian!! The AAU National Junior Olympics is generally reserved to the top 2 teams in your District Qualifying Tournament(DQT). We did not participate in the Wisconsin DQT, because it would have been too expensive for our families for the level of competition that they generally have here in Wisconsin. Therefore, we had to petition the National Chair of the AAU for an AT Large Bid to play in the 15U AAU Junior Olympics. It was not an easy process, because we were not taking the "traditional" path by winning your State DQT. BUT, we persevered and got word on yesterday that we were approved to play by the State and National office of the AAU.
This tournament was on the original schedule as an option to the Nike tournament in Memphis, which we all agree at this point is not cost effective for our families because of the high cost of gas. The AAU Junior Olympics is closer, in Detroit, MI area this year (it moves from city to city annually), and has it's own following of AAU college coaches that played and love the structure of AAU basketball.
To help offset the potential (potential because the JO's is 2 days of pool play and "double elimination" after pool play...at any point after the first 2 days you lost your 2nd game you go home!) additional days in the Detroit area, we have postponed the Adidas USA Tip-Off Classic in Indianapolis July 6-8 (Sun-Tues) for next year. We will replaced it with the one day, Sun July 6th Adidas Jamboree in Naperville, IL (Northern Chicago Suburb). The Adidas Chicago Hoops Express puts on this NCAA Evaluation event for the Summer and Fall NCAA Evaluation periods. It is well attended by College coaches, because of the reputation of Jerald Davis and his club. The event is an All-star team environment, yet 6-8 team's players will be pulled back together to play in "Showcase" games in our club uniforms against the top programs at the event...I have been promised a Showcase game for our LadyStars players!!
I use to coach this All Star format event for Jerald Davis, yet I decided to concentrate on working the college coaches for our LadyStars girls versus, coaching other teams players. Playing in this event this Summer also secures our girls spaces in the Fall event, which is done the same weekend as the US Junior National Oktoberfest, "Battle of the AAU Programs".
So here is your summary of the final revision of the July 15U schedule:
July 6, 2008 (Sunday) Adidas Jamboree/Showcase in Naperville, Illinois
July 12-15, 2008 (Sat-Tues) Nike Summer Showcase in Elgin/Schaumburg, Illinois
July 24-31, 2008 (Thurs-Thurs., if we keep winning) National AAU Junior Olympics in Detroit, MI., actually Auburn Hills, MI...home of the Detroit Pistons Arena)
The changes were made to help reduce the cost to our club and our families. It also affords our families the opportunity to watch your daughters play more games, because the venues are closer to Wisconsin. In addition, I feel that having our daughter's to be Olympians during an Olympic year is very exciting!! The event carries an Olympic environment that is a great experience for our daughters...I coached in the AAU Nationals in 2004, and it is an experience that all those girls will never forget. While at DePaul University. I played in the Collegiate Intramural Olympics in 1984...it was special to me...this opportunity will be to add to your daughter's basketball resume for prospective college coaches on their recruiting profile that all players send in to the prospective college. Because it moves from city to city, this my be the last chance that our daughters can attend this event...PLEASE do not let it pass your daughter!!
For those parents that can not make the full week, we will have a team room or two for the girls whose parents can not make the trip. In addition, we will have our annual free throw shooting contest to help offset the additional expenses to the club and some families that may need help to offset some of their expenses. That contest will occur in June or early July and the girls will shoot 100 free throws and get pledges for each made free throw for prizes, as we have done in the past when we scheduled a large event like this...it will be fun...they always enjoy it!!
Please take a look at the National Junior Olympics website to learn more about this meaningful event!
I have also attached an article from last years Knoxville, Tennessee newspaper concerning college coaches attending the Girls Basketball event at Knoxville JO's, including Pat Summit from the National Champion Tennessee Vols!!
Coach Dale Gilliam
Wisconsin LadyStars
Friday, April 25 Alexis Steward and Sydney Howard named to the 2008 USJN Windy City Classic All Star Team April 25, 2008
Alexis Steward (Sheboygan North HS, Harvard U. Recruit 2009) and Sydney Howard (Vincent HS 2012) were both selected by the coaches that played against our team to the USJN Windy City Classic All-Star team!! Both girls played exceptionally well, and both exchanged periods when they ran the team from the point guard position...congratulations to both Alexis and Sydney!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Sunday, April 20 15U LadyStars finish 12th in the Windy City Classic the April 2008 NCAA Evaluation Event April 20, 2008 The 15U Wisconsin LadyStars finished 12th out of 32 teams in the highly competitive Windy City Classic this weekend!! The Windy City Classic is one of few Midwest April Period NCAA Evaluation Events. Our team took 2nd in Pool Play, and qualified for one of the 4 Prestigious Sunday Final 4's!! The NCAA will only allow a team to play in 5 games in a weekend. Therefore all teams are competing for wins and "maximum" point spreads during Pool Play. There were (8) 15U pools, all those Pool winners advanced to the top 2 Final 4's. The team that won our Pool, the Minnesota Suns placed 4th, and their other 15U team placed second, so they had 2 teams in the Top Final 4 (1-4th)!! The LadyStars were in the first group of 2nd Place Pool Play finishers (9-12), and we played one of the top programs in the US, the St. Louis Sparks. The test of a Champion, is to have the heart to fight back when you are down. We were down by 2 at half, and their lead grew to 22 points in the second half!! We found a group of girls that began to jell, and we fought back with a huge run to get the lead down to 5 with about 90 seconds left in the game!! We fought so hard that we lacked the energy to close, and ended up losing by 7, YET they won by about 30 last year when we played them in Pool Play, so they KNOW when we see them next it will be our win!! The Sparks have an "uptempo" pressure, trapping, aggressive style of play, which very few of our girls experience, except when we play in USJN/NCAA Events. We will have to play more of these type of tournaments to prepare for the July NCAA Events, because when you get to the Final 4, you will see these type of teams. If you can not handle the pressure, aggressive style of play, you certainly will get "blowed" out of the gym!! You have to go with girls that are ready...NOW...aggressive...NOW...that is why it is called a "TEAM"...you have different players with different skill sets. Good teams are not a one size fits all situations!! You need the ability to go to different players with different skill sets throughout the game. If something is working, you must stay the course to try and win the big games!! That is how good teams win...they have "unselfish" players and parents...YES parents...that have brought into the concept of...TEAM FIRST...the only concept that builds Championship teams!! We are commited to getting to a group of players and parents that are committed to the "TEAM FIRST" concept, because as TEAM goes, so does each players opportunities increase exponentially!! If the TEAM never makes it to the Final 4's, than no one will be seen by the college coaches!! Most girls get an opportunity in a big game, unless your child just does not fit at all with the style of play that the other team is displaying...a player MUST be effective right away to stay in a big game...we can develop "Big Game" mentality, YET it can not be developed in the BIG GAME...it is simulated in practice...that is where it is taught...in PRACTICE!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Sunday, April 13 15U LadyStars Head to the Windy City Classic the April 2008 NCAA Evaluation Event April 13, 2008 Next weekend is the USJN Windy City Classic, our April 2008 NCAA Evaluation Event. Division 1 and 2 College coaches can only come out 3 times per year, 1 weekend in April and October, and July 6-31st. We support the US Junior National's Windy City Classic since it's inception.
Because of our loyalty, we have a very favorable schedule! We do not start too early, and do not play too late. In addition, there are not any large gaps between games during pool play.
The schedule is as follows:
15U Pool Play(X):
10:30 AM LadyStars vs. Illinois Lady Lightning (Silver)
1:00 PM LadyStars vs. Minnesota Suns
4:45 PM LadyStars vs. Illinois Wolverines (Red)
Sunday’s tournament play will be contingent upon how our team plays during pool play. The earliest that we will play on Sunday is 10:30 AM. We will discuss Sunday post pool play at this weekend’s practice on Sunday at 5:00 PM…it is complicated!!
The roster for next weekend is as follows:
# Player School
1 Alexa Kramer - Wauwatosa East
3 Andea Gilliam - DaCula High, Georgia (Unavailable)
8 Alexis Steward - Sheboygan North
10 Skylar VanNatta - Arrowhead High
23 Sydney Howard - Lincoln MS/Vincent High
30 Jessica Goetz - Arrowhead High
32 Nafeshia Holifield - Shorewood MS/Shorewood/High (Creighton Recruit)
34 Gabriella Levac - Arrowhead High (LeHigh Recruit), (Unavailable)
33 Sophie Lichte - Webb MS/Reedsburg High
40 NaNa Martin - Vincent High
42 Jennifer Blunt - Riverside High
44 MaKenna Schrader - Arrowhead High
55 Tara Glenn - Riverside High
If you are interested in staying in a hotel, please check the USJN (www.USJN.com) website under the Windy City Classic icon for a list of hotels. There is also a current list of confirmed colleges that will be in attendance.
Colleges Confirmed as of Today:
Division 1:
Air Force Academy Falcons ;Alabama , Univ. of Crimson Tide; Arkansas , Univ. of Razorbacks; Ball State Univ. ; Binghamton Univ. Bearcats; Bowling Green State Univ. Falcons; Buffalo, Univ. of Bulls; Cincinnati, Univ. of Bearcats; Clemson Univ. Tigers; Columbia Univ. Lions; Creighton Univ. Jays; Dayton, Univ. of Flyers; DePaul Univ. Blue Demons; Evansville Univ. Purple Aces; Florida State Univ. Seminoles; Hartford, Univ. of Hawks; Illinois , Univ. of Fighting Illini; Illinois State Univ. Redbirds; Illinois-Chicago, Univ. of Flames; Indiana Univ. Hoosiers; Indiana-Purdue Indianapolis, Univ. of Jaguars; Iowa , Univ. of Hawkeyes;
Iowa State Univ. Cyclones; Kansas , Univ. of Jayhawks; Louisville, Univ. of Cardinals; Loyola Chicago, Univ. of Ramblers; Massachusetts, Univ. of Minutemen; Miami Univ. Hurricanes; Michigan State Univ. Spartans; Missouri , Univ. of Tigers; Missouri State Univ. Bears; Niagara Univ. Purple Eagles; Northern Illinois Univ. Huskies; Northern Iowa, Univ. of Panthers; Notre Dame Univ. Fighting Irish; Ohio State Univ. Buckeyes; Ohio Univ. Bobcats; Purdue Univ. Boilermakers; Rice Univ. Owls; South Dakota State Univ. Jackrabbits; Southern Methodist Univ. Mustangs; St. Louis Univ. Billikens; Troy State Univ. Trojans; Wisconsin , Univ. of Badgers, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Univ. of Phoenix; Wyoming, Univ. of Cowboys
Division 2: Lewis Univ. Flyers Divsion 3: Augustana College Vikings; Beloit College Buccaneers; Chicago, Univ. of Maroons; Dominican Univ. Stars; Wartburg College Knights Junior Colllege: Dodge City Comm. College Lady Conqs; Ellsworth Comm. College Panthers; Penn Valley Comm College Scouts Coach Dale Gilliam Thursday, March 6 LadyStars Middle School Team Cruises 15-0 to Children's Outing Association (COA) Championship
March 6, 2008 Congratulations to the 13U/8th grade team that cruised 15-0 to the 2008 Children's Outing Association's Winter Middle School League Championship!! The team played a hard fought Championship, yet beat the Silver Spring Neighborhood 8th graders 25-12. Utilizing our trademark "pressure/trapping" defense, which caused havoc all night for our opponents!! The team was lead by the strong leadership of Sydney Howard (8th) who was named the league and tournament MVP. The team had solid guard play by starting point guard Alice Gilliam (6th), Jazzmin King (8th), and a new addition Raven Major (8th) who played well. Kadiah Ford worked the glass well for us too in Nafeshia's abscence The surprise of the team has been our new "twin towers" Jasmine & Jade Wong (8th) ...who both dominated the backboards and created tremendous pressure with their length and outstanding quickness. The stead Morgan Harris (7th), who came off the bench and handle the pressure of the other team very well, Morgan's play was critical to weathering their mini run. Both Nafeshia Holifield (Creighton University recruit/8th) and Kristin Kreh (just in from Pittsburg, Pa/8th) missed the Championship game for personal reasons, yet contributed mightly to the success of the team!! Again Congratulations to culminating the Winter Session with a solid performance and reaching our goal of running the table in the league!! Coach Dale Gilliam Coach Chuck Howard Coach Mike King Coach Tee Carson (new) Friday, May 30 2008 LadyStars Rosters/Player Profiles are Available Our current rosters and player profiles are available for your review. Pictures will be added in the next week or so, as well as more detail information on player accomplishments...stay tuned!! Coach Dale Gilliam
Friday, June 13 Two New Corporate Sponsors added to our LadyStars Sponsors to Support June 13, 2008 We are fortunate to add 2 new Corporate Sponsors to our growing list of LadyStars supporters. The first new sponsor being Kathy Levac's (Gabby's mom) firm, Health & Wellness Enterprises LLC and also Glen Quarry's (Kristen's step-dad) The Sound Quarry . Please check out their firm's services and support their and all of the LadyStars Sponsors businesses!!
Monday, March 17 Checkout our 2008 LadyStars Sponsors...Join the list!!! March 17, 2008 Please take a look at our 2008 Wisconsin LadyStars Sponsors tab to the left!!! These company's have joined the ranks of those that desire to give something back to their community, and get their logo's on the 2008 Wisconsin LadyStars Warm up Shooting Shirts. Those Warm up Shooting Shirts and your logo will follow our girls throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and head to Memphis, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana. !! We certainly will represent the State of Wisconsin and your company well!! Please contact Coach Dale Gilliam for more information on Sponsorship...No sponsorship is too small for our club...they all help our girls reach their goals of being the Best in the Midwest!! Don't forget to support our Sponsor's Products and Sevices...it is a great community gesture, yet they have meaningful products services to offer your families and businesses!! Remember The Wisconsin LadyStars is an Affiliate of the National AAU and is a registered 501c3 Not for Profit Organization for tax deduction purposes. Coach Dale Gilliam Wednesday, February 27 Janelle Adams Nominated for the 2008 McDonald's All-American Game!! WOW...another feather in her cap...Janelle Adams was recently nomiinated for the 2008 McDonald's All-American Game!! This is one of the greatest honors that could be bestowed on a high school basketball player!! Janelle has been out until last week with what I call tired legs...she runs cross counrty for Rufus King in the Fall, plays big time hoops for King in the Winter(this year's City Conference Gold Division Player of the Year, she is a first team all conference Goalie on the King Soccer team, and has plays competitve AAU basketball all Spring and Summer!! My advice to her was to concentrate on the Gold Ball...the State Championship...and rest those legs...of course she didn't and played the last game against Milwaukee Vincent on Friday to help King win the outright City Conference championship!! What a girl!! She is doing us proud in LadyStars land!! Tuesday, October 23 Janelle Adams Selects Cleveland State University Congratulations to Janelle Adams one of our favorite, explosive, most coachable players that ever wore a LadyStars uniform her 8th, 9th, and 10th grade.Janelle and her family selected Cleveland State University over several "High Major" Division 1 Programs (see below Janelle's letters of interest while playing for the LadyStars).We wish Janelle the best and will be continue to support her during her Senior year at Rufus King High and beyond!!
Adams makes choiceKing standout picks Cleveland StateBy ANTHONY WITRADO
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| Helen Johnson and Tierra Shirley with Current Ladystars |
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| LadyStars Relaxing on Beal Street after a game in Memphis | |
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| 2006 11-12th Cage Classic Champs |
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| 2006 7-8th Cage Classic Champs | |
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| Janelle Adams 2006 Cage Classic Co-MVP |
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| Helen..."Taking off" for Washington High...Have you landed yet?? |
This past weekend two LadyStar Teams performed very well to an audiance of coaches, family and friends at the For the Game Shootout held at Northern Illinois University.
The JV Red Team took their first of FIVE victories from the Shooting Stars who forfeit the game. By 11 AM. this squad was ready to play and play they did against the MD Basketball Blue Team. A block shot by Laura Neve, created the tie which put the LadyStars into overtime. Becky Roberts then went to the line making her free throws (free throw champion for last 2 years for the club). The LadyStars had victory #2 and went to work against the Fox Valley Rebels, with Shanequa Roberts making the driving points for the LadyStar win.
The JV Red Team returned Sunday with a win over the Renegades - a team that NEVER gave up, even durning such a hugh point span... That was the right attitude, and you have to respect a Team that can do that! The LadyStars finished the event with a victory over the Rising Stars.
Our hat's go off to Coaches Dino Black and Mike Roberts for doing a GREAT job rotating the players throughout the event. This being an exposure event, the coaches were able to rotate players and as a bonus win all their games... KUDOS.... I know the players Thank You as do the Parents!
The LadyStars Red Varsity Team played very well this past weekend under Coach Dale and Coach Cotton, the girls won ALL five of their games against some older and more experienced players. Keep up the GREAT WORK!
SHOUT OUT...... Thank You's go out to Dave Neve - Laura's Dad, and Fred Woods - Moran's Dad for keeping score during this event. Not only do OUR Girls STEP UP, so do their Parents. THANK YOU PARENTS....our children learn by example.
The Wisconsin LadyStars 8th Grade Team is going South......not to find warm weather, but to BURN UP THE COURTS of the Libertyville Sports Complex. Available, are a small cafe, a second floor area with tables..... so the future leaders of tomorrow can setup for homework: SCHOOL FIRST has always been TOP PRIORITY of the Wisconsin LadyStars Organization.
Now for the skinny on the who, what, where and when!
There are 3 pools in the 8th Grade Slot, with 4 teams per pool. The LadyStars are in Pool B, our team # is 44 (this could be on the postings at the complex).
Our 3 games on Saturday Jan. 15th, 05 are:
4:00 pm. against # 46 - Grayslake - on court 8 orange
6:30 pm. against # 45 - Carmel Corsairs - on court 9 green
9:00 pm. against # 47 - Grant - on court 8 orange
Sunday Jan 16th, 05 games for the Wisconsin Ladystars will begin at 2:30pm. court #/color to be announced as we win, we will continue to play.
The final Championship game will be at 7:45pm.
There are bleacher seats at each court, limited seating, you just may want to bring along a folding chair. While the girls are hitting the books, you will have a chance to read the Sunday paper!
December 29th in Rockford IL., a winter day, turned Spring like. The Wisconsin LadyStars took control of the Tournament early on heating up the gym with the first of FOUR Victories against the Flodin Wildcats. The LadyStars took the Wildcats 45 to 29 to set the pace.
With the first of four games under their belts; the LadyStars then met with the St. Louis Lady Cougars. That game ended with a second victory, LadyStars 36 points over the Cougars 21.
Taking a refreshing break from the action, the Team took time for lunch before taking on the Westside Storm Team of Janesville. The LadyStars won 41 to 30.
The final Championship game had the LadyStars and the P-Town Most Wanted on the hardwoods. The LadyStars finished with a 41 to 34 Victory.
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