The Rogers Area Youth Basketball Association (RAYBA) girls' high school team said they were told by the North West Suburban Basketball League that they would be no longer welcome to play league games because they are "too talented" and cited the girls' "skill level."
The team said the news came in a letter just the day before they were due to play in a showcase 3-on-3 tournament and while the girls were on a three game winning streak.
"The Northwest Suburban Basketball League decided RAYBA does not fit into the league," the letter read. "The main reason they made this decision is because other teams do not want to play RAYBA due to the skill level."
But coach Jason Hanauska says that by banning his team, the league will stop talent from developing.
“If we had any talent in the league, this is where we would've found out and that's what really makes us mad.” Hanauska said.
"We found out on Friday they were not going to be allowed because according to the league our girls were too talented," he told Fox 9.
"Three teams were threatening to I guess either forfeit the games against us or flat out quit the league. So for some reason they kicked us out."
And the players and their parents echoed Hanauska's thoughts, calling the decision "absurd."
"Are we supposed to play worse just to make them happy?" One player said.
Another of the girls' mothers told the station, "Do we take the (NFL’s) Patriots or Cardinals, who are going to the championship game, and kick them to the curb because they’re too good?"
Maybe not the best team references for mom to use — after the NFL's championship games Sunday — but you get the point.
Maybe not the best team references for mom to use — after the NFL's championship games Sunday — but you get the point.
The Northwest Suburban League have yet to comment on the situation.
Officials from the league are due to meet with Hanauska on Monday to discuss the situation.
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