PERKINS OF ARDEN HILLS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

All Mustangs Boys Basketball teams will participate in the upcoming Perkins of Arden Hills Holiday Tournament hosted by Bethel University December 27 - 29.  Varsity, JV, Sophomre, and 9th grade tournament barackets can be seen by clicking on the links above.  Good luck Mustang Hoops.

Mustang hoops open Ziggy's final season at the helm - Press Publications

Mustang hoops open Ziggy's final season at the helm - Press Publications
ARDEN HILLS — Mounds View Mustangs senior captain Kevin Sharpe
will take many lessons from long-time coach Ziggy Kauls, and some
are quite simple.

Bulletin Preview

MVHS Boys Basketball Fan & Player Apparel

Players and fans can now order this year's apparel through this link. 
(http://www.athleticoutfitters.biz/sports-accessories.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=36)

JV/Varsity Player Survey

This message only applies to JV/Varsity basketball players.  Please fill out this survey by MONDAY DECEMBER 5th so your responses can be included in the game programs.

2011-2012 VARSITY PRACTICE SCHEDULE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

The first two months of practice schedule is now available.  There may be changes due to possible scheduling conflicts due to results of other winter activities or unforseen events.

FALL LEAGUE CHANGES AND INFORMATION

Concordia University  fall league played on Sundays has been CANCELLED.
Instead, we have entered TWO teams in the Breakdown Fall League played at Bloomington Kennedy High School with games scheduled on Saturdays,  October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19.  Each team will play TWO games on each date.  As in summer events, our teams will be designated as Varsity and JV . Players  are free to play on both teams, if necessary.  Because a number MV fall sport athletes may not be available on the earlier dates, no permanent rosters will be formed.  We invite all prospective basketball players, grades 9 - 12 who have filled out their information form  to E-mail Coach Zig Kauls zkauls@comcast.net  and list the dates you would like to play .  Rosters will be filled as needed from week to week, using available players.
There will be NO CHARGE to participants. (Mounds View Slam Dunkers would be happy to accept a  voluntary donation of $5.00 - $10.00 for each date played.)

SIGN UP FOR BASKETBALL.

Sign up for basketball by clicking on http://goo.gl/9AZUi and completing the form.

Come back to Running with the Mustangs and stay current with Mustangs basketball news.

The countdown clock is telling you to start conditioning and training for tryouts.

9th graders will try out October 31 - November 4.

10th - 12th grade tryouts November 21 - 23.

Coach Kauls Announces Retirement After 2011-2012 Season.

UPDATE: From the Star Tribune "HUB":
Mounds View's Kauls retiring after this season | MN Basketball Hub



The following is the official release issued by Mounds View this afternoon.

Coach Kauls to retire after 45th year leading Mounds View High School boys’ basketball

September 8, 2011 – Mounds View High School’s long-time coach Ziggy Kauls announced today that he will retire at the end of the upcoming 2011-2012 boys’ basketball season – his 45th year as head coach. In a meeting with his players, Kauls reflected on his career and encouraged the students to focus their attention on the upcoming season and accomplish their goals together.

“It’s been an amazing experience being a part of Mustang basketball, but it’s never been about me,” said Kauls. “I’ve enjoyed incredible loyalty and remarkable consistency in my coaching staff, but the true success of this program belongs to the hundreds of players who have upheld our traditions and embraced teamwork over the decades. I’ll miss them all very much, and I’ll be watching the future of this program with a lot of pride.”

Like many in the Mounds View High School community, activities director Bob Madison considers Kauls a rare coaching legend who truly earned his remarkable reputation.

“Mustang basketball enjoys a tradition of special basketball teams, and for 45 years now, Coach Kauls has led those teams with pride and passion,” said Madison. “His records and accomplishments are amazing, but what’s equally impressive is how he instilled in his players the qualities of being a Mustang – teamwork, character and respect. His contributions have been invaluable. He will be missed, but he leaves behind a tradition of success that Mounds View can model.”

Kauls joined Mounds View basketball in 1967, becoming and remaining only the second coach in the school’s history. During his career, his teams have made 12 state tournament appearances with two state championships and 12 conference championships. His teams have included three Mr. Basketball Award winners (Steve Schlotthauer, 1986; Nick Horvath, 1999; and Travis Busch, 2005). With more than 700 victories, Kauls ranks as the 3rd all-time winningest coach in Minnesota history, earning Hall of Fame recognition by both the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association (2006) and the Minnesota State High School League (2011).

At the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season, Madison will lead a search for a new head coach to be named by spring 2012.

MEETING OF RETURNING BASKETBALL PLAYERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, IN FORUM.

This will be an important meeting for all returning basketball players. Go to the forum immediately after school. If you are out for a fall sport, you will go to practice after the meeting.

BASKETBALL MEETING FOR RETURNING PLAYERS CANCELLED UNTIL A DATE TBA

The meeting will be rescheduled at a TBA.

A number of athletes are out of town and unable to attend the meeting on August. 11

Coach Zig Kauls

A Kid, a Ball, a DREAM.

In the video below, 8th grader to be, Tyler Fairchild illustrates what the slogan, "A Kid, a Ball, a DREAM" means. I walked into the gym about 40 minutes early for the Mounds View Summer Basketball camp and quietly watched Tyler for about 10 minutes before grabbing my camera and actually filming him. I was going to edit it but decided not to because it captured the essence of what practice looks and sounds like when a basketball player is ACTIVELY DREAMING. Being GOOD is only the product of A LOT of LONELY TIME--not lonely in that it has to be in isolation, just that very few kids CHOOSE to put in this kind of time. When you have multiple kids DREAMING like this....GREAT TEAMS become a reality.

BREAKDOWN SHOWCASE JULY 30, @ LAKEVILLE SOUTH (Updated 7/28)

Directions and pairings can be found at Breakdown web site:
http://www.breakdownsportsusa.com/event/show/23142458

Varsity Schedule: 2:35 vs Lakeville South, 4:25 vs Monticello or Coon Rapids, 6:15 TBA
1. Brett Burckhardt
2. Jimmy Jaeger
3. Andrew Justin
4. Paul Kroska
5. Ben Rush
6. Kevin Sharpe
7. Jon Walker
8. Ben Spencer

JV Schedule: 3:30 vs. Coon Rapids, 5:20 or 6:15 vs. Shakopee II or Centennial Red, 8:00 vs.TBA
1. Kai Christenson
2. Braxton Haake
3. Nick Justin
4. Tony Moga
5. Sola Olateju
6. Jon Remus
7. Tom Sletten
8. Ryan Kaczynski
9. Hunter Sorenson
10. Jeramiah Bonde

BREAKDOWN SHOWCASE, JULY 24, @ LAKEVILLE NORTH, SCHEDULES ARE OUT(Edited 7/22)

Breakdown Showcase, Lakeville North, July 24, has posted Sunday's pairings.
http://www.breakdownsportsusa.com/event/show/23142466
Varsity will play mostly in morning and afternoon. JV will play afternoon and early evening. To make two separate teams, players will be divided as below:
VARSITY: 8:30 vs. Chaska, 11:20 New Prague or Stillwater, 2:05 or 3:05 vs. TBA.
1. Andy Justin
2. Brett Burckhardt
3. Mike Kerfeld
4. Paul Kroska
5. Alex Peterson
6. Kevin Sharpe


JV: 1:10 vs. Farmington, 4:55 vs. New Prague, 6:35 TBA
1. Kai Christenson
2. Matt Harding
3. Andrew Thomas
4. Owen Grayson
5. Braxton Haake
6. Tim Hanson
7. Nick Justin
8. NickVarberg
9. Hunter Sorenson

ATTENTION: ST. CLOUD TEAM CAMP CANCELLED (Updated 7/16)

I was informed by St. Cloud Coach Matt Reimer that Mounds View will NOT be in the St. Cloud State Team Camp, Monday, July 18.

BREAKDOWN SHOWCASE, LAKEVILLE SOUTH, JULY 30 (Edited 7/22)

Varsity and JV schedules TBA. Players will be divided as needed. Check updates frequently.

1. Brett Burckhardt

2. Jimmy Jaeger

3. Andy Justin

4. Mike Kerfeld

5. Paul Kroska

6. Steve Oleson

7. Ben Rush

8. Kevin Sharpe

9. Ky Christenson

10. Braxton Haake

11. Nick Justin

12. Tony Moga

13. Sola Olateju

14. Jon Remus

15. Tom Sletten

16. Ryan Kaczynski

17. Hunter Sorenson

18. Ben Spencer

BREAKDOWN SHOWCASE, LAKEVILLE NORTH, JULY 24 (Updated 7/14)

Varsity and JV Schedules TBA. Players will be divided as needed.
1. Brett Burckhardt
2. Andy Justin
3. Mike Kerfeld
4. Paul Kroska
5. Steve Oleson
6. Alex Peterson
7. Ben Rush
8. Kevin Sharpe
9. Ky Christenson
10. Matt Harding
11. Andrew Thomas
12. Owen Grayson
13. Braxton Haake
14. Tim Hanson
15. Nick Justin
16. Jon Remus
17. Nick Varberg (?BB Tourn.)
18. Hunter Sorenson

ST. CLOUD STATE TEAM CAMP, JULY 18 (Edited 7/11)

Varsity and JV Shedules TBA. Players will be divided as needed.
1. Brett Burckhardt
2. Jimmy Jaeger
3. Andy Justin
4. Mike Kerfeld
5. Paul Kroska
6. TC Merickel
7. Steve Oleson
8. Alex Peterson
9. Ben Rush
10. Chris Severson
11. Kevin Sharpe
12. Ky Christenson
13. Ethan DeCaster
14. Braxton Haake
15. Tim Hanson
16. Sola Olateju
17. Tom Sletten
18. Ben Spencer
19. James VanEps

NORTHERN STATE TEAM CAMP, ABERDEEN SD, JULY 15, 16

TWO or THREE ADDITIONAL PLAYERS NEEDED TO FIELD SEPARATE VARSITY AND JV TEAMS. Presentation College dorm suites are $10 for Friday night stay.

The following players will split time between Varsity and JV games.

1. Brett Burckhardt

2. Andy Justin

3. Mike Kerfeld

4. Paul Kroska

5. TC Merickel

6. Steve Oleson

7. Ben Rush

8. Chris Severson

9. Kevin Sharpe

10. Alex Peterson

11. Ky Christenson

12. Owen Grayson

13. Nick Justin

14. Tom Sletten

15. Tony Moga

***************

SCHEDULE FRIDAY: All games played at Aberdeen Central H.S.

3:30 MV vs Milbank SD Court 1

4:35 MV II vs Enderlin SD Court 4

5:40 MV vs Watertown SD Court 1

6:45 MV II vs Bowman County SD Court 4

7:50 MV vs Pierre SD Court 1

8:55 MV II vs. South Central Court 3

****************

SCHEDULE SATURDAY: BC=Barnett Center NSU: AC=Aberdeen Central H.S

8:00 MV II vs. Watertown II @ BC Court 2

9:05 MV vs. Aberdeen Central @ AC Court 4

12:20 MV II vs. Aberdeen Christian @ BC Court 2

12:20 MV vs. Thief River Falls @ AC Court 2

2:30 MV vs. Laramie WY @ AC Court 1

3:35 MV II vs. Hitchcock-Tulare @ AC Court 2

CONCORDIA TEAM CAMP, JULY 12 (Revised 7/12)

Varsity: Schedule 11:00 vs. Shakopee, 2:00 vs Rochester Century, 4:00 vs. Fridley. .

1. Andrew Justin

2. Mike Kerfeld

3. Paul Kroska

4. TC Merickel

5. Steve Oleson

6. Ben Rush

7. Chris Severson

8. Jon Walker

JV Schedule: 12:00 vs. Shakopee II, 1:00 vs. Century II, 3:00 vs. Century III

1. Ky Christenson

2. Matt Harding

3. Nick Justin

4. Tom Sletten

5. Hunter Sorenson

6. Ben Spencer

7. Tim Hanson

8. James VanEps

CONCORDIA TEAM CAMP, JULY 11 (Revised 7/10)

Varsity: Schedule TBA. Arrive ready to play at 10:00
1. Andy Justin
2. Mike Kerfeld
3. TC Merickel
4. Alex Peterson
5. Ben Rush
6. Chris Severson
7. Paul Kroska


JV: 10:00 vs. Park Christian, 12:00 vs. Forest Lake II, 2:00 vs. Badger-Greenbush-Middle River
1. Ky Christenson
2. Andrew Thomas
3. Mason Zilka
4. Owen Grayson
5. Nick Justin
6. Tom Sletten
7. Hunter Sorenson
8. Ben Spencer

AUGSBURG TEAM CAMP, JULY 8 (Revised 7/7)

Varsity: 10:00 vs. Shakopee I, 12:00 vs. St. Paul Johnson, 2:00 vs. Spearfish
1. Jimmy Jaeger
2. Andrew Justin
3. Paul Kroska
4. Alex Peterson
5. Chris Severson
6. Kevin Sharpe



JV: 11:00 vs. Shakopee II, 1:00 vs. Armstrong, 3:00 vs. Andover
1. Jake Bartels
2. Ethan DeCaster
3. Andrew Thomas
4. Owen Grayson
5. Nick Justin
6. Tom Sletten
7. Tony Moga
8. Sola Olateju
9. Ben Spencer

Due to construction alternate routes http://www.augsburg.edu/about/mpls_map.html to Augsburg College are recommended. Plan on extra 15 minutes for driving time.

BREAKDOWN @ ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE SUNDAY 6/26

The following have signed up for Breakdown Tournament @ SMA (directions here)

Varsity: (tournament pairings and schedule)
1. Andrew Justin
2. Mike Kerfeld
3. Paul Kroska
4. Alex Peterson
5. Ben Rush
6. Chris Severson
7. Kevin Sharpe

JV: (tournament pairings and schedule)
1. Ky Christenson
2. Tim Hanson
3. Nick Justin
4. Sola Olateju
5. Jon Remus
6. Ben Spencer
7. James Van Eps

We can use additional players for each group. Contact Coach Zig Kauls 651-315-5155 or zkauls@comcast.net to get placed on a team.

Varsity Games: 1:40 P.M., 3:35 P.M., and 5:25 P.M.
JV Games: 2:40 P,M., 4:30 P.M., and 7:20 P.M.

8th-9th GRADE SUMMER CAMP

All of this past year's 8th-9th graders are highly encouraged to attend the Summer Camp held at Mounds View High School. The camp focuses on specific skill development and competitive fun through games and contests. We also focus on giving drills, games, and ideas to take away and use while practicing alone or with friends.

There are two two-week sessions that run Mon-Thur from 12-2pm. Many kids attend both sessions which we encourage. Attendees should sign up through the Shoreview (under Zig Kauls Basketball Camp) or Arden Hills Park & Recreation websites. The dates for the two sessions are as follows:

Session 1
June 27-30 & July 11-14

Session 2
July 18-21 & July 25-28

If there is a conflict with other commitments, please don't hesitate to contact Coach Zig Kauls (zkauls@comcast.net) or 651-315-5155. Our biggest goal is skill development of our athletes and we can be flexible in attendance dates. We just hope players can attend as many days as possible!

Mounds View Basketball Team Camp Invitation

All prospective basketball players grades 10, 11, 12 are invited to attend Mustangs Summer Team Camp on Wednesday, June 15, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, at Island Lake School.

UPDATE: Subsequent dates will be on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:30pm at Island Lake Elementary School on 6/22, 6/29, 7/13, 7/20, & 7/27. Please contact coach Zig Kauls (zkauls@comcast.net) or 651-315-5155 for details.

We hope all of you can make it.

Change In July Event Schedule

Change In July Event Schedule

We have CANCELLED out of the MBA Tournament, Saturday, July 9 @ Bethel University. Those signed up for MBA can have their entry used for the Augsburg Team Camp.

We have replaced it with Augsburg Team Camp, Friday, July 8. This event runs 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., This event will keep keep everyone's weekend free. We need eight (8) more players to completeour rosters. Sign up forAugsburg Team Camp. The fee is $20.00 for three games.

July is a BIG month for basketball play and development. We need several additional players to compete in each of the events If you are serious about playing next year, you should consider signing up for some of the events. Several of the events are scheduled during morning and afternoon, freeing you to participate in evening activities.

SUMMARY OF JULY BASKETBALL EVENTS:

• Breakdown Tournament June 26 all day 12 signed up, need 6 to 8 more.
• Augsburg College July 8. morning and afternoon, 10 signed up, need 8 to 10 more.
• Concordia University, July 11, morning and afternoon, 10 signed up, need 8 to 10 more.
• Concordia University, July 12, morning and afternoon, 10 signed up, need 8 to 10 more.
• Northern State University, July 15, 16, all day, stay overnight, 10 signed up, need 8 to 10 more.
• St. Cloud State University, July 18, all day. 12 signed up, need 6 to 8 more.
• Breakdown Tournament, Lakeville North, July 24, all day, 14 signed up, need 4 to to 6 more.
• Breakdown Tournament, Lakeville South, July 30, all day, 12 signed up, need 6 to 8 more.

SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS

Entry deadlines for upcoming July tournaments are creeping up on us. Please sign up for July events this week or early next week.

We have openings for two Bethel Tournaments.

JUNE 2: JV at 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM & 8:00 PM. We need 2 or 3 Freshmen and Sophomores to complete the JV team.

JUNE 9: JV at 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM & 8:00 PM. We need 5 or 6 more Varsity and JV players. Freshmen and Sophomores are welcome. THIS IS A FREE TOURNAMENT. Please contact a coach and sign up.

PLAYER INTERVIEWS

Mustang coaches would like to finish interviewing all Mustang basketball players before the end of the school year. Contact Mike Kauls or Zig Kauls to make an interview appointment. Coach Zig Kauls will be available for interviews most Open Gym nights 6:30 PM-9:00 PM. Get a good start on the summer with a solid plan of improvement.

Next Season Starts NOW!

It's hard to believe that it's been almost two months since the season ended. As the spring sports hit full spring and the weather FINALLY starts to actually FEEL like spring, it's vital for the development of the high school basketball player to also be thinking about their plan to get better.

There are more opportunities to play year-round than ever before, but quite simply, NOTHING....let me repeat, NOTHING makes up for the consistent attention needed to develop individual skills. Playing games is important to develop a "game sense" and instinctive reactions to constantly changing conditions, however, it simply takes TIME and PERSISTENCE to develop the necessary skills to actually experience success.

One of my favorite books in recent memory is Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers. Gladwell uses several examples to illustrate his rule of 10,000 hours. Basically, in order to master or perfect anything, it takes 10,000 hours. Broken down, is one person spending a lot of time spent focusing on something while others are likely choosing to do something else. (Ha...classic example illustrating the economic definition of an opportunity cost) Basketball SKILLS fall into this category.

For example, I've never heard of a great shooter whose story is that he just picked up a ball and was a "great shooter"...(well maybe in his own mind)...But, when you profile guys that are universally recognized as "great shooters", their stories of time spent working on their stroke are strikingly similar AND they reflect Gladwell's theories.

Put in terms of a high school basketball player's development, we might not be talking about 10,000 hours....but the mentality is the same. It takes an investment of part of one's self to remain consistently committed to a goal and endure KNOWING the results will reveal themselves over time.

Without question, being a well-rounded athlete is important. There are valuable skills and experiences taken from playing a variety of sports. Simply look at our list of all-time leading scorers at Mounds View...only one of the top 10 was a "basketball only" athlete. With that being said, putting consistent practice in during the off-season, even if it's 15-30 minutes a day will pay HUGE dividends come next winter.

Without rambling further, I'm sharing some resources that I've collected over time to help guys with this task.

• Understanding Shooting Practice
• 2008 USA Basketball Shooting Workout (this is the actual workout that the USA athletes used in preparation for the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Kobe Bryant would complete this workout...and continue to do more individual work)
• Minnesota Off-Season Shooting/Ball Handling workout - this was given to me by Travis Busch who played for Tubby Smith at the University of Minnesota. He had to track his workouts daily.

Spring & Summer Event Sign-up Reminder

Today is the deadline for the May events and Monday 5/2 is the deadline to sign-up for June events that were highlighted in the spring meeting and the packets every player should have received.

You can view the documents online through the following links:
Event Summary and Sign-up Instructions

• May Events - Sign up or contact one of the coaches with your intent ASAP
• June Events - Sign up or contact one of the coaches with your intent by MONDAY 5/2
• July Events - Sign up or contact one of the coaches with your intent by THURSDAY 6/2

Please contact of of the coaches (Zig Kauls, Dave Leiser, or Mike Kauls) if you have any questions.

Highlight DVDs Available

Copies of the highlight DVD shown at the JV/Varsity banquet are available. Please contact me (michael.kauls@moundsviewschools.org) or have your son stop by my room (231) for a copy.

You can also view it online here. Just enter the password: mvhoops to watch.

Spring/Summer Player Meetings

This message is intended for all players that participated in the Mounds View Basketball Program this past season from grades 9-11. If you haven't already, download, (or see Mike Kauls in room231) a personal evaluation/planning sheet to fill out and return it (or email it) to one of the coaches.

The coaches would like to meet with every athlete that desires to continue in the program to discuss:

1. current areas of individual strengths/weaknesses
2. identify individual development relative to other players in the program
3. individual & team goals for future
4. a PLAN to achieve these goals

These meetings are optional, but encouraged.

Players are free to contact and meet with any of the varsity coaches (Mike Kauls, Dave Leiser, Zig Kauls) to identify a time to meet 1-on-1.

Email Contact Information
Ziggy Kauls
zkauls@comcast.net

Dave Leiser
david.leiser@moundsviewschools.org

Mike Kauls
651.621.7203
michael.kauls@moundsviewschools.org

Turning the page.....

It's always a bittersweet Sunday afternoon when we have our season ending banquet. It's always tough to say goodbye to our seniors after watching them develop over the course of several years. It's especially difficult this year because they were such a genuine bunch of good guys. We didn't have the kind of success in terms of wins that we all hoped for, but it was definitely apparent on Sunday that this group experienced something as a team that few can claim. I can't remember a banquet in recent years that had so much laughter and a general feeling of friendship among the players. It also explains why they stuck together so well, even when we were struggling midway through the season.

However, banquet Sunday also signifies the beginning of a new journey. I am really excited about the returning group of guys and am confident that they will continue to build on their experiences, both good and bad, that will help them be successful next season. While Brett Burckhardt, Chris Severson, and Kevin Sharpe were elected captains by their peers for the 2011-2012 season, there's an incredible opportunity for our returning seniors to lead our team and program as a class.

Again, I want to thank you all players and families for allowing us to coach this group. These guys will always have a special place in my heart and represent another successful chapter in Mustang history.

If you didn't get a chance to see the highlight video at the banquet, you can watch it here. Just enter the password: mvhoops to watch.

Spring & Summer Information Meeting

On Monday night, April 11th at 7pm, there will be an information meeting at Mounds View for all basketball players (9th-11th) interested in spring and summer opportunities and camp information.

All players should plan to attend but is open to all.

If you cannot attend, but plan on participating in spring & summer events contact Mike Kauls in room 231 to get additional information.

See you all Monday night!

New Section for 2011-2012

The Minnesota State High School League just announced that we have been moved from Section 5AAAA to 4AAAA. Our new section opponents more closely resemble the traditional section alignments from years past. Check out the new sections here.

Section 4AAAA for 2011-2012
Mounds View
White Bear Lake
North (St. Paul)
Stillwater
Tartan
Woodbury
Mahtomedi
Roseville

End of the Road

As we rode home on the bus last night, I couldn't have been prouder of these young men. Last night was a perfect example of the saying "the scoreboard didn't tell the whole story." We gave Cooper a great game last night and our guys fought to the end TOGETHER. The final score of this game (85-66), and our record for the season (10-16) may not stand out in the record books, but this season was an incredible example of what any coach would want to have happen within a team. We had outstanding captains--and outstanding senior leadership. Guys remained hungry to compete everyday. We fought through injuries, losses and even some personal disappointment in a way that can only happen if guys truly enjoy and appreciate each other as teammates. This team grew together--and as individuals more than any team I've had the opportunity to coach in my ten years at Mounds View...and they did it with class.

After the game, as we talked among the coaches, we reflected on the growth of this group over the last couple years. (We specifically thought about the JV game at Shakopee last year...If you don't remember, it was a 40 point drubbing.) It's pretty remarkable when you consider how well they played last night. There's a quote that goes something like: "The test of a team's character is not how they handle winning, but how they handle a loss." Held to that measure, this team stands alone.

To the guys, I want to say THANK YOU...it was a privilege to coach you all.

Section Brackets Set

The Section 5AAAA brackets were determined on Saturday morning and we drew the #6 seed which sends us to #3 Robbinsdale Cooper (18-8) on Thursday (3/10) for the first round of play. Game time is 7pm. Click on the bracket for other playoff brackets.

JV Game Cancelled....again..

Unfortunately, Park has once again cancelled the JV game tonight. 10th grade and Varsity will still play at regularly scheduled times.

Record comes with Win!

Friday night was a pretty special night. Without taking away from the overall team effort of winning our sixth straight game against Forest Lake (W 67-55), it should be pointed out that Jordan Van Eps tied a school record (Cole Christenson, 2009) by making eight 3-pointers during the game. There have been a lot of great shooters that have played for Mounds View over the years....It's a pretty special accomplishment. Congrats Jordan.

In avenging the earlier loss to the Rangers, the Mustangs moved to 8-6 in the Suburban East Conference and 10-11 overall. The win marks the third conference win in row over a team that we lost to the first time through the conference schedule. Tuesday night brings the opportunity to extend that streak to four as we head to Cretin-Derham Hall to take on the Raiders. Game time is 7:15pm. We hope to see you there!

Monday JV/Varsity Practice Still at 3:30pm

We will still have practice today at MVHS at 3:30pm. Please drive safely.

Being a Teammate

This was forwarded to us by former Mounds View baseball coach, Mark Downey, who is now coaching at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

He forwarded to us as a great example of a Mustang alum actually living out what is so often talked about by coaches. Most people acknowledge that being a member of a team...at least a healthy one...requires some self-sacrifice. Unfortunately, acknowledging it and living it can be two very different things. Also, it applies to EVERYONE. No one escapes this from top to bottom...for the superstar it might be giving up individual statistics (see the second-half of Michael Jordan's career) but on the other end of the spectrum, it might be a role player letting go of individual frustrations of not playing to support teammates along the way. (This, I would argue, is probably THE most difficult thing to do as a member of a team.)

That brings me to the inspiration of this post.

Pat Delahunt was one of our captains in 2006-2007. In all reality, as a ninth grader there is no way anyone would have predicted that he would even be a varsity contributor based on his natural ability. However, he is one of the most goal-orientated, tough minded and hardest working players I've ever come across. (Garrett Ganske, a high school teammate from 1995 will probably forever hold the #1 spot in my mind!) He literally WILLED himself into being a player. He spent countless hours working on his game...often times alone. Pat in the truest sense is a gym-rat. A lot of people play basketball, but there only a handful that are basketball players. Simply stated, he LOVES the game. It took time, but by his senior year he was starter and in the process earned the respect of his peers to be voted captain.

His high school career was statistically average at best, but his legacy as a student, teammate and person stand out among the best to ever wear a Mustang uniform.

Pat was cut from the St. Olaf squad his first two years. And now, his senior year, despite the thousands of hours he's put in the game, he's only played 15 minutes all season. But he continues to be an outstanding student, teammate and person. In Coach Kosmoski's words:

"Pat became a part of our team last year as a junior. I have been able to count on him every single practice with his consistency and effort on the court. His positive energy is inspirational and has not only made himself a better ballplayer, but he has made those around him better as well. Pat has only been a positive asset to this team these past two years. There is a reason that we are a better team today than last year, and Pat has been an integral part of this growth."

I have no doubt the lessons Pat has learned through playing basketball are going to lead him to great things as he moves on to the next stage of his life. It was a privilege to coach him..for many it has been a privilege to call him a teammate and friend..and for those that don't know Pat De La Hunt, I can only hope you have people in your lives like him.

Tough Four Game Stretch: Part II

Just over a month ago, I blogged about a tough four game stretch against four of the strongest programs in the Suburban East Conference. We went 0-4 during that time.

As we go through the conference schedule a second time, we've arrived at the same stretch once again....Only this time, with our 67-49 win over Stillwater on Tuesday night, we've already notched more W's than the first time through.

Tuesday night was arguably the best combined effort of our Varsity and JV teams all season. Both teams adjusted well and played very efficiently on both ends of the floor.

Friday night should be another great test in our rematch against Forest Lake. Our January game at Forest Lake was one of our ugliest games of the year....However, our team has grown a lot in the last 4-5 weeks. Having won 6 of the last 7 games, I'm excited for our guys to get another chance to take on the Rangers! We hope to see you there!

Coach Has His Own Dance?

After coaching at Mounds View for over 44 years, Coach's legacy on the basketball court speaks for itself, but at the Sno-Daze pepfest last Friday, it was taken to another level. Apparently, he's also an accomplished dancer. (Check out the last seconds of the pepfest video.) Check out the lyrics written by Liv Rosin.



Our captains (Blake Anderson, Jordan Van Eps, & Matt Kruger) also had some fun....at our expense! Ha!...if people only knew how much I harass Coach Leiser about his red sweater!

Mustangs at the Target Center!

On Saturday, February 12th, the Mustangs boys basketball team will play St. Anthony at the Target Center. Game time is 1:00pm.

Due to our agreement with the Timberwolves, tickets are a combination package; they will not be available for just the Mounds View game.Tickets are $15 and can be used for the TIMBERWOLVES game against Philadelphia that evening at 7:00pm.

Click here for more information about tickets.

Watch the Mustangs take on the Raiders LIVE!

Once again, CTV North Suburbs will be going LIVE on channel 20 with tonight's Mounds View vs. Roseville boys basketball game. Along with that, it'll be web-streamed starting at 7 pm.

http://www.ctv15.org/schools/mv/sports/basketball/mvhsboys.html

The cities that will see it LIVE on channel 20 are Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Saint Anthony and Shoreview.

JV Game at Park Cancelled (Tue. 1/25)

Unfortunately, several JV players from Park have fallen to injury and/or illness leaving Park without enough players to have a JV game tonight.

Players: As of right now, the bus will still leave at 4:30pm for the B-squad game. BRING STUDY MATERIALS WITH YOU!

Sophomores and Varsity will still play at 5:45pm and 7:15 respectively.

Parent Booster Club Announces "Theme Nights"

Join us Friday, January 28th at "our house" as the Mustang Boys take on the Bears of White Bear Lake!! It is CAMOUFLAGE NIGHT -- dress up in your best camo gear as the Mustangs HUNT DOWN the Bears!!

Parents, don't feel you have to dress up in camouflage, but we'd love to have the students participate. Of course, if you want to, we won't stop you! ;)

• Two $5 Caribou gift cards will be given away to the best dressed camouflage wearer at half time of the Varsity Game.

• SENIOR STABLE -- come on out and ROCK THE HOUSE!!

Game Times:
JV and Sophomore squads play at 5:45pm
Varsity tipoff is 7:15pm

(Courtesy of Mustang Parent Booster Club)

Timberwolves High School Basketball Tour at Tonight's Game

While we did not organize this through the program or through the booster club, the Minnesota Timberwolves have selected our game to be part of the Wolves High School Basketball Tour.

Representatives from the Wolves organization will be traveling to Mounds View tonight to be a part of the local basketball community. Details of the event listed below.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves Reps will arrive an hour before the game starts
• As fans enter the facility the Wolves Van will be parked outside the front entrance
• A table will be set up near the entrance with Wolves reps handing out prizes and a chance for fans to enter their name into a drawing for the halftime shooting contest
• Main Attraction: Minnesota Timberwolves Halftime Shooting Contest (Details Below)

MAIN ATTRACTION

The main attraction will be the halftime shooting contest in which 4 lucky fans in attendance will have a chance to win some great Wolves prizes. Before Halftime there will be a chance to enter your name into a drawing to be chosen for the halftime shooting contest (Please notice the shooting contest will take the majority of halftime). Each contestant gets a chance to make a lay-up, free throw, 3 pointer, and half court shot in 30 seconds.

• Lay-up: Wolves Hat
• Free throw: Wolves Shirt
• Three Pointer: 2 Lower Level Tickets
• Half court shot: 4 Lower Level Tickets

Game Program Online

Every year we rely on the support of many local business that provide great products and services to our community AND have an affinity for helping our school's athletics and activities. This year, the combined support of these local businesses and our volunteer parent boosters produced one of the best game programs around. If you haven't had a chance already, check it out.

Mustangs vs. Rangers on the radio!

If you can't make the trek north on Friday, the Mounds View at Forest Lake the game will be on Spirit 95.9 FM radio and also online on MSBN www.mnsportsnetwork.com.

Tough Four Game Stretch Starts Tonight

The next four games will be a great test for our guys. We are getting closer to being healthy and hopefully we can start to hit our stride as a team. Here's what we're facing:

• Tonight we travel to Stillwater (5-4) in a rivalry game. There have been some great games over the years.
• Friday we head up to Forest Lake (7-2). The Rangers have been very strong once again, after losing several key guys off a state tournament team last year. Phil Hegseth is scoring over 19ppg in leading the Rangers
• Tuesday night we're back home to face Cretin-Derham Hall. They are loaded with talent and have four players averaging 11+ ppg. Rajon Kelly is one of the best guards in the state.
• On Friday the 21st, Parents' Night, we host Woodbury (3-5). Don't let their record fool you. Three of their five losses were by 1 point and Coach Swansson always has guys running the high 1-4 well. As mentioned, this is also our chance to recognize the love and support that has made this group of guys a great team to work with.
  

Mustangs on LIVE TV & Streaming Webcast!

Hopefully you all can make it to our game tonight against Hastings.

10th Grade and JV Tip-off at 5:45pm
Varsity Tip-off at 7:15pm.

If not, we just found out that CTV North Suburbs will be going LIVE on channel 20 with tonight's game vs. Hastings. Along with that, it'll be streamed live on the web starting at 7 pm.

http://www.ctv15.org/schools/mv/sports/basketball/mvhsboys.html

The cities that will see it LIVE on channel 20 are Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Saint Anthony and Shoreview.

Start of a New Year!

First of all, I hope anyone reading this had a safe and Happy New Year!

What an ending to 2010! When I wrote about the roller coaster of ups and downs the season could bring, I didn't think it would be illustrated so dramatically in the Bethel Holiday Tournament.

Going into the game against Cooper, I expected us to come out on top. We were coming off a few good practices, we finally had all of our guys back in the line-up and Cooper, while still talented didn't quite have the same firepower they've had the past few years....I even told Pat Delahunt ('07, captain) and Neal Gupta ('07) before the game that I would be disappointed if we lost. Yikes!

After the game, we found ourselves in an all too familiar position...(and I'm not referring to the lopsided loss!)...but a point in the season where, as a coach, you feel like the team is at a crossroad.

Obviously, it was a disappointing loss...but what would be our response as a team? Would we feel sorry for ourselves? Would we scatter? Or...would we rally around each other and come out fighting the next chance we get? In the moment, it's a horrible feeling. There's an uncertainty...one of concern, but also one of excitement.

It happens every year, but the circumstances always differ. In the locker room coach talked about our team in 2005. We ended up 3rd in the state that year and Travis Busch went on to win Mr. Basketball for the state of Minnesota. But, there was a point in the year were we were a .500 team and lost to Forest Lake at home after scoring 9 points in the first half. After that Forest Lake game in '05, the kids re-grouped and beat Stillwater at their place!

It was a very similar feeling Wednesday night.

Wow. What a difference 24 hours can make. Despite playing without Jordan Van Eps (let's hope he can get healthy soon!) and Blake Anderson only playing 14 minutes because of foul trouble, our kids responded by playing with incredible energy and cohesiveness to beat Rosemount 48-33.

While getting a win is always satisfying, I hope our guys took more away from the past few days than that. I hope this is springboard into our second season (Conference), but we will undoubtedly still have ups and downs along the way. But, experiences like this will help us keep climbing the mountain TOGETHER no matter what twists and turns our season takes along the way!

PS...It would be great to have another crack at Cooper in March!
mk