Greetings Eagles!

The winter season is off and running. We have 97 6th-8th graders participating, giving us six full rosters of basketball players. 

The 7th and 8th graders began practices in early November,  their schedules pick up quite a bit at this level. With four practices per week, and upwards of 16 games plus playoffs, our oldest Eagles put in quite a bit of time. Not to be outdone, our 6th grade teams began just after Thanksgiving and are getting their first experience with a busier schedule. They are practicing three times a week and gearing up for a dozen or so games. 

TEAM RECAPS

• The 6th grade girls are off to a great start. After a very successful 5th grade season, these girls are continuing to build their fundamentals and knowledge of the game while working extremely hard during practices. They played in their first game yesterday vs Latin and will look to take down Lab (12/15), Baker (12/19), and CJDS (12/20) before heading off for break. 

• The 6th grade boys have had quite the start to their season. After just three practices, the 6th graders took on a very strong team from Catherine Cook in the first game of their young season. After falling down 0-18 in the first eight minutes, these boys fought back to take the lead 21-20 in the second half. They have played two one-possession games thus far and will look to take down Lab (12/15), Baker (12/16), and CJDS (12/20) before heading on break. Good luck to Coach Sam and the boys these next few games.

• Most recently the 7th grade girls defeated Chicago City Day on the road, scoring a season-high 33 points. These girls have fought hard in each of their four games so far this season, and will look to build off of some close losses when they return in January. A big thank you to Coach Melton and Coach Charlie for their time with these girls. 

• Our 7th grade boys are off to an undefeated start, cruising in each victory by double digits. They take their 6-0 record into tonight’s showdown with Francis Parker, a team they narrowly lost to in 6th grade. Good luck to Coach Mintz and the 7th grade boys as they try to stay atop the CAMS League. 

• Our 8th grade girls entered this season with high hopes. After taking 2nd place in the JV League last year, these girls are finding out what varsity basketball is all about. The girls play Francis Parker this afternoon before taking some time off until January. Thank you to Coach Pat and Coach Ryan for their leadership of this year's varsity squad, and good luck during the second half of the season.

• The 8th grade boys are off to a 5-1 start and currently sit in 2nd place in the CAMS League. Most recently, the 8th graders completed a double digit comeback to defeat rival Chicago City Day 46-40 in the Pritzker and Pucker Families Gymnasium and Performance Space. Good luck to Coach Jonah, Coach Daniel, and the 8th graders this season during their quest to take down top-seeded Catherine Cook. 

UPCOMING GAMES at BZ

• Wednesday, December 14: 7th boys vs Parker, 4:00 p.m.; 8th boys vs Parker, 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday, December 15: 6th girls vs Lab, 4:30 p.m.; 6th boys vs Lab, 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, December 20: 6th girls vs CJDS, 4:00 p.m.; 6th boys vs CJDS, 5:00 p.m.

LOWER SCHOOL BOOSTER GAMES

• 1st and 2nd grade: Wednesday, January 25 - 6th girls vs Parker, 4pm; 6th boys vs Parker, 5pm

• 3rd and 4th grade: Tuesday, January 31 - 7th boys vs NNM, 4pm; 8th boys vs NNM, 5pm

AROUND THE CORNER...

Bernard Zell 5th grade basketball is back! This year we’ll compete for the second year in the CAMS league. The season will begin just before February break (Feb 14th) and end around March 30th. Be on the lookout for more  information in January.