Pursuit of perfection

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --  RAF Lakenheath's 'Dream Team', a youth center boys and girls basketball team, finished its season undefeated March 3, 2012.

In the final game of the season, the team played RAF Alconbury in a game held at RAF Mildenhall. The Dream Team won 56-46, completing its 17-0 perfect season.

Although the teams are open to children ages 13 through 18, Lakenheath's team consisted of only 13 and 14-year-olds, making the undefeated season even more remarkable.

"Being on a team that has been undefeated all season is humbling," said Nicole Basaca, Lakenheath Middle School student. "This is an experience we won't forget."

For Coach Chris Horne, finishing undefeated is a proud moment because he is
expecting to leave before the next season.

"It's cool to leave my last game undefeated in both football and basketball," said Horne. "I can leave saying we didn't lose a game if this is my final season."

With a perfect season under his belt, Senior Master Sgt. John Walker, 48th Contracting Squadron superintendent and assistant coach, has good expectations for the coming year.

"Hopefully they learn something [from this season] to carry on to the next season," said Walker. "It's about teamwork, attitude and pride. It's very inspiring the team came together from where they started and they were able to capture their basic principles which are school first, attitude second and then mold that into a championship team."

Practice for next season is tentatively set for November 2012. The team is open to all children ages 13-18. Those interested can pick up a registration form at the youth center.