Readability: Above sixth grade level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Kate Seabaugh, Courtney Alvey, Jessi Rosehill, Erin McCartney
Other words: tournament, competition, consecutive

BEFORE READING: Point out that this is an article about middle school girls who play competitive basketball.  Take the young reader through the list of names and words, offering help where needed.  Then, ask him or her to read the article aloud.  Note that you will be asking questions afterward.

DURING READING: Supply any words needed to keep the reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Questions such as the following can be used to check understanding and stimulate a discussion of the article.

1. What is different about the St. Louis Crusaders team that sets it apart from most other teams?
2. About how often do these girls practice and play actual games?
3. Do you think height has much to do with the girls’ success? What makes you think so?
4. Are you interested in basketball?  Did you understand the terms “controlled overload defense,” “full court press,” “zone defense.” Explain them if you can.