The new Burning River Buckets basketball team is headed to the Elite Eight
By Patricia Nugent
Everyone loves a Cinderella story, right?
Last month, impossible wishes were granted when Lake County’s Burning River Buckets professional basketball team pulled off arguably one of the biggest upsets in league history to win the American Basketball Association North Central Region Championship.
“We said at the start of the season it was our goal to bring home a championship, and, against all odds, we did it,” says GM and Founder George Phillips. “We never stopped believing. The combination of our talented local players, who came together and fought like champions, and our fearless head coach, Patrick Koenig, who tapped into his strategic basketball acumen and leadership skills, along with our loyal and super-supportive fans, made everything fall into place during the season. It was indescribable and exhilarating.”
The highly anticipated professional expansion team kicked off its 20-game season in early November 2021.
Of course, much like Cinderella, the fairy tale ending wouldn’t have come without hard work and dedication.
But the story isn’t quite over yet. The team advances to the Elite Eight on Thursday, April 21, in Baltimore, and, with a win there, could go on to play in the final four on Friday, April 22, and the finals on Saturday, April 23. You can catch all the action streamed live. See the team’s Facebook page for details.
According to ABA CEO Joe Newman, “Your team did amazingly well and is definitely a threat in the tournament.”
Its inaugural season was so successful with local fans that plans are already under way for next season, including a dance team, nationally televised games, a Kids Zone and the debut of Buster the mascot. Also in the formation stages is the Burning River Buckets Charities to benefit other local organizations.
George reports that Mentor has been selected as the city for next year’s championships, which will bring a boatload of excitement—and tourism revenue—to Lake County.
Burning River Bucket games take place at the Mentor Athletic Complex in Kirtland. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Mimi Magazine is a proud sponsor. Visit BurningBuckets.com for more information, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter @burningbuckets and on Instagram @burningbucketsaba.