Fort Lee’s March Madness Starts Today Too

As college basketball players take to the floor for the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, Fort Lee’s own version of March Madness tips off tonight as well.

With a “Madison Square Garden” level of energy alongside a “lose and go home” mentality, the Fort Lee Girl’s Basketball League starts the process of postseason play this evening with a tournament that league President Mike Klein compares to the ever-popular NCAAs.

“It’s just as exciting at a different level,” he said.

Where the college game features athletes typically between the ages of 18-24, these student athletes are only eight to 14 years old are playing in similar atmospheres.

“You’ll see a very exciting game and a lot of energy in the building,” Klein said when describing what to expect this weekend. “Parents come out, grandparents come out, and friends come out. There is a lot of screaming and yelling and it is a lot of fun.”

But to reach this point, the league needed to do some expanding just as the college tournament expanded this year.

Over the last few years, the Fort Lee Girl’s Basketball League has grown into three divisions (fourth, sixth and eighth grade divisions), and established a traveling team, all the while growing in popularity.  

“Years ago…Fort Lee girl’s basketball was not on the map,” said Klein of the sports scene in the city. “And now building up the program, there are double the amount of girls from four years ago. During the season, Fort Lee Girl’s basketball at the recreation level is the talk of the town.”

And the numbers show it. Previously, the league only had 132 student athletes a few years back but now boast 271 players this season alone.

The girls have been practicing since December to reach this point and have been growing throughout.

“The biggest feeling is seeing better basketball from week one to week 10,” said the league President. “You see a dramatic change in the girls ... You see more competitive basketball at a higher level as the season goes on.”

And it is also an opportunity to see the future stars of tomorrow. Klein talked of the success of the league’s alumni, most of whom have gone on to play at Fort Lee High School.

Current alumni include seniors Bindi Parikh and Brianna Mattessich, who both received all-league honors. Their teammates of Megan Gimson, Renee Mattesich and Anthe Nikolaidis, have all graduated from the program as well.

“That’s what the [league] is all about,” Klein said of the league’s goals, “getting the girls ready in the eighth grade for the high school level.”

So whether it is seeing the next Lady Bridgemen star in the form of Shaina Rosa, Zoe Cockinos or third grader Natalie Elmers, there are plenty opportunities to attend the playoffs over the next two weeks to see who the champions will be.

Check below for a list of games tonight at the Lewis F. Cole Middle School and click here for a full listing of all postseason games in the Fort Lee Girl’s Basketball League.

Tonight in the 4th grade division quarterfinals:

7:00 p.m. - #3 seed Aversa Dental vs #6 Craig Weinstein Esq

7:30 p.m. - # 4 seed Tutor Doctor vs # 5 Frank Patti

Tonight in the 6th grade division quarterfinals:

8:10 p.m. - #1 seed Silly Rabbits vs #8 Aversa Dental

8:50 p.m. - #2 Norms Ice Cream vs # 7 Tutor Dr.