Burr Ridge Middle School teams have eyes on state
The Burr Ridge Middle School junior varsity basketball team will travel to Wenona Saturday to compete in sectionals, and a place in the state finals. Photo courtesy of Coach Michael LaCassa
Updated: February 1, 2013 5:41PM
BURR RIDGE — Coach Michael LaCassa could have a busy week ahead of him.
With the Burr Ridge Middle School eighth-grade basketball team fighting for the regional title and his seventh-graders headed to state this weekend, he could be looking at two trips during the first week of February.
And that’s just fine with him.
“It should be exciting,” said LaCassa, who will travel with his junior varsity team to the elite eight tournament in Wenona on Saturday.
“It’s about a two-hour hike,” he said.
Led by seventh-grader Joffari Brown, who played on last year’s state-champion eighth-grade team, the Chieftans head into the tournament with an 18-3 record.
If the boys win their game against Piasa Southwestern they will travel back to Wenona on Feb. 7 to play for their spot within the top four.
“They’re a cohesive team,” having played together since fifth grade, LaCassa said.
Making the trip with LaCassa will be Assistant Coach Phil Legan, sixth-graders Darryl Williams and Lukas Rainis, and seventh-graders Martique Barksdale, Adrian Presely, Joffari Brown, Korvonte Davis, Nikas Cumakovas, Christopher Jackson and Marshawn Phillips.
Meanwhile, the school’s eighth-graders play Jan. 31 for the regional title. If successful there they will travel to Wenona for sectionals on Feb. 6.




