PA Kiddie Kougars Conclude Season
Piedmont Academy recently wrapped up another successful season of their Kiddie Kougar elementary basketball season with its annual elementary basketball extravaganza.
Over 50 elementary students played in the league. This season consisted of two K5-3rd grade teams, two 4th – 5th grade teams, and two 4th and 5th grade boys’ travel teams. Practices and games are held in December and January. The elementary program is headed by Lindsay Moore, Piedmont middle school athletic director and faculty member and Michael Wilson who is the head coach of the girls varsity basketball team and the Athletic Director.
The elementary season culminates with the elementary teams playing against one another during the school day, in place of the school’s regularly scheduled chapel service and in front of the entire student body. Homerooms are divided by team colors and each side of the gym is full of fans rooting for their elementary schoolmates.
“It is our hope this basketball program creates a strong sense of community with our youngest students, their families, and the school,” Wilson stated. “Additionally, we want to lay the groundwork for a love of basketball, especially Piedmont basketball, with the hopes these elementary student-athletes will continue to work on the skills they learn and add to our successful basketball program while representing Piedmont Academy in a manner that brings pride to all of us who are associated with the school.”
Games are divided into two 12-minute halves for the younger ages and two 15-minute halves for the older grades. Fundamentals are taught at practices and throughout the season by members of the boys and girls varsity basketball program. Members of the varsity volunteer their free time to coach and mentor the young student-athletes.
This season the program was expanded to include the two travel teams comprised of 4th and 5th grade. These teams participated in the Lake Oconee Academy elementary basketball league against two teams from Lake Oconee Academy and the Gatewood School. I am so proud of what our 4th and 5th grade teams accomplished this season. The growth of these boys from the beginning of the season to the end was tremendous. These young men worked hard throughout the entire season and the results of that work was noticeable not only to me but also to the fans of opposing teams and to the officials. I am super excited to see what the future holds for these young athletes. Great accomplishments are on the rise for Piedmont Athletics.
Following the end of basketball season, many of the elementary students will begin elementary soccer. Piedmont also offers flag football for students in k5-5th during the fall of each school year.