The Grass Lake Braves are the 2024 Lakes Region Eighth-Grade Girls Basketball Conference Champions
On Monday, March 11, Grass Lake School hosted the Lakes Region eighth-grade championship tournament game between the Park Wolves and the undefeated Grass Lake Braves.
The game started off slow and Park made the first points leaving the first quarter 8-2 in the Wolves favor.
Park continued to play on point with excellent outside shots, accurate free throws and solid defense raising the score 18-9 by the half.
The Grass Lake Braves started the third quarter with three shots in a row: outside shots from seventh grader Natalia Conrad and eighth grader Tanner Ludwig; and a rebound and follow up layup from Tanner Ludwig along with solid defense and a collective effort from the entire Braves team.
This was an aggressive game; both teams were at the free throw line due to numerous fouls. By the third quarter, Braves eighth grader Stella Beyers was on the free-throw line to tie-up the game 20-20. Braves seventh grader Rose Fogel followed up at the free-throw line giving the Braves their first 1-point lead. The Braves missed the second shot but contained the rebound and collectively produced a 2-point play scored by seventh grader Ewa Bomba, giving a 3-point lead to the game at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started intense, with both teams fighting to close this game for the championship trophy. Talented offense and aggressive defense kept the game tight. The Braves largest lead of 5 points was quickly reduced due to foul trouble and the Wolves capitalizing with free throws. The clock was run down with 36 seconds left. The Wolves were up 26-25, Tanner Ludwig was on the free throw line for the Braves, she missed her shot but came into the lane after the rebound was tipped, grabbed the ball and put up a calm little layup, giving the Braves a 27-26 lead. The Braves held the Wolves in the back court with heavy defense. The Wolves fired a shot and missed, and the rebound was held by Natalia Conrad until time ran out.
The families, fans, and players came off the bleachers and bench to rush the girls on the floor with cheer and celebration. The game ended in a joy-filled, memorable Braves 27-26 Win.
The players also play girls basketball for local feeder teams, providing extra practice, experience, and preparation as they head to Antioch Community High School.
Special mention to Braves Coaches: Kari Juszczyk, Katie Berggren and Teagan Ross; and players: Stella Beyers, Tanner Ludwig, Kenzie, Emma, Ewa Bomba, Natalia Conrad, Rose Fogel, Cassie Bendixen, Brooklyn Michael, Ava G., and Gabby.