Fort Lee Girls Recreation Basketball League Announces “March Madness”

The Fort Lee Girls Recreation Basketball League starts its own version of “March Madness” this Saturday, March 16 at the Lewis F. Cole Middle School Gym with a slate of games scheduled in the end-of-season tournament.

The annual tournament begins with the seventh and eigth grade quarterfinals with all eight teams playing in four games on Saturday.

“It’s my favorite time of the year," admits League President Mike Klein. "The middle school gym turns into our own little Madison Square Garden with a packed house and spirited, intense fans cheering on the teams.”

This year the seventh and eighth grade division is packed with potential high school varsity players, which Klein says will make for extra exciting games with a high level of play.

Grades three through six start Monday, March 18 with two third/fourth grade quarterfinal games and two fifth and sixth grade quarterfinal games.

“It’s great to see the improvement and progress of these young players from week number one until now," Klein said. “I’m really proud of these girls and their coaches.”

The playoffs are a single elimination tournament -- win in advance or one and done.

Klein said that overall the entire season was a success. Three travel teams competed in the Tenafly Travel League in their Army Division, which was a step up from past years. All Rec Divisions played ten games in the regular season leading into a 22 team, three division, single elimination, playoff bonanza.

The culminating event is known as “Championship Saturday”, which is March 23. A consolation game and a championship game will be played in the third/fourth grade division and fifth/sixth grade division. Awards, trophies, and closing ceremonies will take place Thursday, March 28. Also on that date, the seventh and eighth grade consolation and championship games are played, and awards, trophies, and retiring coaches’ recognition are awarded.

For the next two weeks “March Madness” will bring competition and excitement to the gym. The community is encouraged to come out and support the league and the girls.

QUARTERFINALS Saturday March 16 at Middle School:
7/8 Grade Division

12pm    #4 Triangolo          vs    #5 Pomodoro Pizza
1pm      #3 Luppino Homes vs    #6 Law Office of Sokolich 
2pm      #2 Silly Rabbits      vs    #7 Porter & Yee
3pm      #1 P D'Amico         vs    #8 Aversa Dental

QUARTERFINALS Monday March 18 at Middle School

7pm     #3 Seed vs #6 Seed
7:30pm #4 Seed vs #5 Seed 
            #1 & #2 Seed receive first round byes

Tues. March 19 DARE 6th Grade Basketball Tournament at FLHS 6pm
Wed. March 20 DARE 6th Grade Basketball Tournament at FLHS 6pm

SEMIFINALS Thursday March 21 at Middle School 

7pm      #2 Seed vs 2nd Lowest Seed 
7:30pm #1 Seed vs Lowest Seed 

QUARTERFINALS Monday March 18 at Middle School
5/6th Grade Division 
8:10pm #1 Seed vs #8 Seed
8:50pm #2 Seed vs #7 Seed

Thurs., 3/21 @ Middle School QUARTERFINALS
8:10pm #3 Seed vs #6 Seed
8:50pm #4 Seed vs #5 Seed

Fri., 3/22 @ Middle School SEMIFINALS
7:00pm Highest Seed vs Lowest Seed left
7:45pm 2nd Highest Seed vs 2nd Lowest Seed left
                              

CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY MARCH, 23rd
Grades 3-6 ALL games at Middle School
3/4th Grade Division
11:00am Consolation Game (2 losing teams of Semifinal Games)
12Noon CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
12:45pm Trophy Ceremony for ALL 3/4th Grade teams

5/6th Grade Division
1:15pm Consolation game(2 losing teams of Semifinals)
2:00pm CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

2:45pm Trophy Ceremony for ALL 5/6th grade teams & Travel Teams

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