The Capitol City Express (CCE) 5th grade girls team is comprised of local youth from Mid-Michigan.
CCE is an affiliate of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) league. The AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
The team, comprised of players from Mason, DeWitt, Holt, Bath and St. Johns, are coached by Mary and Paul Mills of DeWitt and Mark Lasceski of St. Johns. The team formed during the 2010-2011 season as a group of 4th graders whose talents took them to the AAU National Championships in August of 2011.The team secured a 5th Place National finish amongst top teams across the country.
According to Paul Mills, “After such a successful year in the state and eventually the nation last year, we went into this 2011-2012 season with positive energy and enthusiasm.”
The team has experienced an incredible AAU season in Michigan with a 23-2 record and boasts 1st place finishes in every tournament entered, which included: Morey Courts – Mt. Pleasant, Midland Basketball Academy – Midland, MI, Crystal Edition Tournament – Frankfort, MI and the coveted Spartan Classic tournament on the campus of Michigan State University.
The team went undefeated in the Michigan AAU State Championships held in Brooklyn, MI on March 16-18th, 2012, earning them a Division 1 State Championship! Because of their success, the team has qualified for the 5th Grade Division 1 National Championships being conducted in Franklin, TN at the end of June. The coaches and parents are currently discussing fundraising opportunities in order to make this event possible.
Front row, left to right: Sydney Mills-DeWitt, Tait Hosford-Bath, Abby Koneval-St. Johns, Merideth Nakfoor-DeWitt, Lauren Lasceski-St. Johns, and Madison “Monkey” Robbins-St. Johns.
Middle/Back Row, left to right: Rylee Stiles-Holt, Coach Mark Lasceski-St. Johns, Megan Lasceski-St. Johns, Annie McIntosh-DeWitt, Angel Delacruz-Holt, Lilly Stephan-DeWitt, Bailee Crandall-Mason, Hailee Ginter-Mason, and Coaches Mary and Paul Mills-DeWitt.