Courage Center basketball team wins national championship

In March, Courage Center’s Junior Rolling Timberwolves varsity wheelchair basketball team placed first in a national tournament in Seattle. This season, the team was undefeated after 22 games, including regional tournaments and the national tournament. They outscored their opponents 1,264-735, averaging 57 points per game.

The team of nine boys and girls ages 13-18 represents communities from throughout the state of Minnesota. The national championship included 69 Junior Division teams from across the United States.

In addition to excelling in basketball, six players were also named academic all-stars. Numerous players from previous teams have also gone on to receive college scholarships, representing the USA in international competitions.

In more than 20 years of existence, Courage Center’s Junior Rolling Timberwolves have also had many coaches selected to national teams. This year, two Courage Center’s coaches will be traveling to Beijing, China: Mike Bauler as Paralympic team leader for the USA men’s basketball team, and Jeff Downes as team leader for the USA women’s team. Assistant coach Ian Lynch is expected to be selected to the men’s basketball team, and Coach Dan Price has been selected to lead international junior teams in the past.