Immanuel Lutheran Lady Bobcats Repeat as LBAA National Basketball Champions
The Lady Bobcats girls' basketball team from Immanuel Lutheran School in Palatine repeated as national champions at the 73rd Annual National Lutheran Basketball Association of America Invitational Tournament at Valparaiso (Ind.) University. This is the Lady Bobcats' sixth national title since 1994, more than any other school in the history of the national tournament.
From Maryland to California, Florida to Texas, 32 teams from 13 states across the country participated in the girls' national basketball tournament.
In the championship game, the Lady Bobcats (41-4) defended their national title by defeating Hales Corners (Wis.) Lutheran (31-6) by a final score of 39-15. To reach the championship game, the Lady Bobcats defeated Our Shepherd Lutheran-Birmingham, Mich., 38-15; St. Paul Lutheran-Grafton, Wis., 30-21; Salem Lutheran-Tomball, Texas,
45-16; and First Immanuel Lutheran-Cedarburg, Wis.,
25-22.
"We had seven 8th graders on the team this year and they truly were magnificent," said Heather Glaser, head coach of the Lady Bobcats. "When some would struggle, others would step up. Sabrina Wooldridge, Annie Thomas, Kyra Veremis and Carly Grubbs all made huge contributions, making key plays that would have been outside their comfort zone only a year ago. It was through each player's unselfish understanding of her role and an unwavering commitment to one another that these girls had such a great opportunity to repeat as national champions. Through faith, mental toughness and hard work, they accomplished something incredible and never before done. We give all glory to God with their sportsmanship and their representation of our school on and off the court, making us all proud."
Eighth-graders Megan Kim and Kace Urlacher were named to the National All-Tournament Team.
"Megan Kim and Caroline Montella have been stabilizing forces for us all year," added Coach Glaser. "We not only rely on their leadership and effort, but they are loved by their teammates. When Megan was not individually recognized at State for all that she brings to our team, our girls made her a plaque to make sure her impeccable ball-handling, confident shooting and tenacious defense were acknowledged. While Caroline was not recognized individually at nationals, her all-around toughness, her ability to finish around the basket, and her three-point shooting, including a buzzer-beating game changer are all plaque worthy as well. Kace Urlacher has natural athleticism and a high basketball IQ. More importantly, she has a good heart. She befriends opponents, works to get younger players shots and cares about the success of her teammates."
The Lady Bobcats are coached by Glaser, and by assistant coaches T.R. Turner and Jim Beckley.
Coach Glaser is no stranger to playing on a championship team. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran's 1998 national championship team.
About Immanuel Lutheran School
Beginning as a simple, one-room schoolhouse in 1870, Immanuel Lutheran School has grown into an educational campus located at Plum Grove Road and Wood Street in the heart of downtown Palatine. Immanuel Lutheran School partners with parents to provide a disciplined, nurturing environment where children can flourish in their Christian learning and academic excellence. Immanuel has twice been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Education Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education and is fully accredited.
For more information, please contact Immanuel Lutheran School at 847-359-1936 or visit their website at www.immanuelpalatine.org.