Local AAU squads finish season strong

Several local AAU teams wrapped up their seasons recently and the future is looking pretty bright for our Wildcat basketball programs.

Kellogg High School varsity girls coach Jana Nearing also coaches the fifth-grade AAU team, which finished in second place after a 6-2 season.

“I’m very thankful for these girls and for the parent and community support we received,” Nearing said. “The girls will be taking a few weeks off and then we are going to get back into the swing of things in February as we gear up for the spring tournament season.”

Nearing was assisted by Torrie Stutzke and Jamie Beggerly.

Lisa Cheney coached the boys fourth-grade squad to a 4-3 record, good for fourth place in their division.

Cheney thought that the boys did well for it being their first time playing in a competitive league.

“We improved every game,” Cheney said. “This group was a lot of fun to watch. They played their best when they were uptempo, running and pressing. They worked so hard each practice and during every game. They will be a fun group to watch in the future.”

Russelle Story and Sarah Jerome respectively also coached teams, with Jerome’s seventh-grade squad finishing in third place with a 4-3 record.

Story’s third-grade team went 6-2 in their division.

Nearing said she is willing to help anyone interested in building a team and get started. Anyone looking to begin a team or wanting to know the options available, please contact Nearing at jana.nearing@kelloggschools.org.