On January 9, the 7th and 8th grade boys’ basketball teams from Jefferson and Jackson Middle Schools competed in a Crosstown Classic at Willowbrook High School.
D45 basketball fans from both schools came out in support of their student-athletes and were treated to halftime performances by the Jackson and Jefferson Cheer Teams.
The first game featured the 7th-grade teams, with the Jackson Jaguars coming out on top by a score of 38-23
Next up was 8th grade, with the Jackson Jaguars winning by a score of 50-35.
“There’s a strong sense of collaboration between our high school staff and the middle school coaches, which helps align goals and expectations for student-athletes,” said Willowbrook High School Athletic Director Ed Sullivan. “Their passion for coaching and dedication to their students’ growth makes it clear that they are invested in their student-athletes not only for their middle school years but also as they transition to high school.”
Sullivan said Willowbrook loves bringing together and celebrating the Villa Park community and providing the opportunity to showcase and celebrate middle school athletics on a grand stage.
“It also helps preview the atmosphere that student-athletes will experience when participating in high school sports,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan appreciates that District 45 coaches are knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate, and hard-working and how committed they are to the development of their student-athletes and the overall success of their programs.
“We want this to be the contest they look most forward to throughout the season. Most importantly, we want to provide middle school student-athletes with a lifelong memory that they can reflect on and fondly remember when they are older.”
Thank you to our dedicated cheer and basketball coaches and the great staff at Willowbrook High School who welcomed our teams. Great job, Wildcats and Jaguars!
