Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Carried Wakefield 1st and 2nd Grade Girls Bball Team Further Than Win/Loss Record

The 1986 Celtics, the 2001 Patriots, the 2004 Red Sox. The mere mention of these teams conjures up images of greatness in the minds of any New England sports fan.  And as this year’s basketball season comes to an end, Wakefield can now say it has produced one of those teams as well: The 2010-2011 Goldfish.

Unlike those other legends in the pantheon of New England sports greatness, the Goldfish might not have won a championship, but the group of seven and eight-year old girls won the hearts of countless parents in town with their unexpected advance to the second round of Wakefield Basketball Association's Girls First and Second Grade Division playoffs and their unbreakable positive attitude.

“They certainly weren’t the most talented team, but we definitely had the largest crowds at every game,” said Goldfish head coach Matt Lane. “And the kids always had smiles throughout the game and we all had fun, and in the end, that’s what it’s all about.”

Although Lane’s coached his daughter Abby in numerous sports, he thinks this team really captured the essence of what youth sports should be.

“The girls really did what it’s all supposed to be about, what little kids playing sports is supposed to be all about: Not caring if you win or lose, and making friends at the same time,” said Lane. 

Do you know a Whiz Kid?

Wakefield Patch is currently seeking Wakefield kids who have done something cool, amazing, kind, remarkable – anything that made you say "Wow!"

It could be in the classroom, on the athletic field or helped out a good cause. They could be the next Wakefield Patch Whiz Kid.

Each week, Wakefield Patch will highlight one child or group in the Whiz Kids feature. We need your help to find these accomplished individuals. Tell us about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to editor Sara Jacobi at sara.jacobi@patch.com.  Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you to ask for a photo and further information.