Rising basketball stars

Under the direction of coach Micah Walker (pictured, back row, at first), a group of young basketball stars showed some serious hustle, making their team’s name, the Hustle, a perfect fit. Coach Walker has led several successful AAU boys’ basketball teams under the brand Automatic, but this is his first all-girls team, composed mostly of second to fourth graders from various elementary schools. These girls are adorable yet fierce competitors. Due to the small number of select girls’ teams, they have played in two tournaments against all-boys teams and held their own. While they did not secure a win, their effort was a true victory. Pictured (front row, from left) are Leela Murali, Tassie Garrett, Ella Dewan, Lillian Curth, Samantha Boffone, Reagan Roe, and Aria Raj, along with coach Cam Scott (back row, left).

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at [email protected]. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.