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2/27/13

Memorial splits at home versus Patrick Henry

A Game: The Panthers used physical play and a couple of desperation heaves to down the Mustangs in their first match-up. After several lead changes in the first half, Patrick Henry used a couple of three-point plays to extend a lead that they never relinquished. The Mustangs got some strong offensive output from Jackson R, Peyton R, and Coby N.
Coach Hoegh says: "They are a physical team, and our guys didn't back down. Gus and Peyton showed some of the toughness that our guys are made of. We needed a couple of breaks to go the other way in this one, but it's up to us to put the work in to get those in the future. It was fun to watch them compete."

B Game: The Mustangs went for a wire-to-wire victory in the B game, winning by 14 in the end. They flexed some defensive muscle, holding Patrick Henry to just 22 points. Hunter VB and Luke B led the team in scoring, while Jakob L and Jack B got some huge rebounds for Memorial.
Coach Hoegh says: "We never did hit our full stride, but the outcome was great. We probably played our best defense, and I haven't seen this team rebound as well as it did tonight. That's what carried us, I thought. I'm looking forward to two more games that we have this week."

2/23/13

Memorial Battles Edison

A Game: The Mustangs fell victim to a game-winning shot with four seconds left in the first game. It was a well-fought game, and the lead switched hands multiple times throughout. Coby N scored a clutch go-ahead basket on a turnaround jumper off of the glass with 6 seconds left, before Edison completed an over-the-shoulder catch and twisting layup for the game winner. The Mustangs smartly pushed the ball ahead for one last contested shot, but it didn't go. 
Coach Hoegh says: "It was fun to watch our guys compete and play so hard today. Evan and Coby did a great job of defending their most talented player, and we definitely matched the home team's energy. We played our best game of the year so far, and all of the guys contributed to that effort. We just needed one more little play to go our way, and that happens sometimes. Our guys know that, and they can't wait for our next chance."

B Game: The Mustangs pulled off a dominant, wire-to-wire victory in the second game of the night. Memorial used pressure defense to stifle the opposition, causing several turnovers that led to easy baskets. The scoring in the B game was well-balanced, and the Mustangs were able to gain a comfortable rebounding margin over Edison.
Coach Hoegh says: "We've got a really aggressive team that loves being on the court with each other. Harris L and Mason O came out with a ton of energy, and the rest of our guys followed suit. Luke B had a couple of nice J's that opened up things for us inside. This was a nice win."

2/8/13

Mustangs split with Brandon Valley

A Game: Memorial went on the road to Brandon and fell to the home team, 32-22. Both teams started strong offensively. The Lynx continued their hot shooting in the second quarter to take control of the game. The Mustangs battled back in the second half, but they were unable to complete the comeback.
Coach Hoegh says: "We're going to be in a lot of games where it just takes a few important stops and some shots to go down, and we didn't quite get those tonight. It can be easy to point fingers at others when you lose a game, but this team isn't going to do that. We get to go to work, as a team, and try to get better for our next one."

B Game: The Mustangs defeated the Lynx in a tight game, winning by a score of 30-22. Brandon Valley got off to a quick start, but Memorials depth was a factor in chipping away at the lead. Despite having a size disadvantage in the post, Memorial controlled the paint late in the game to maintain a slim margin in the 4th quarter.
Coach Hoegh says: "This was a great win. It was good to see our team rise to the occasion late in the game. I saw the confidence - in ourselves and each other - grow as the game went on. Hopefully that continues for the rest of the season."

1/25/13

"Cross" Offense

See if you can learn this before Monday.
Cross Offense from Owen E Hoegh on Vimeo.
This is a half-court offense we might use for our 7th grade basketball team.

1/20/13

Welcome to Memorial Basketball

Hello, Players and Parents. Thanks for coming out for basketball! This blog will be a spot where you can find game recaps, practice and game schedules, and other things having to do with our season.

3/12/12

Mustangs finish the season strong

B Game: Memorial fell just short in the first game. It didn't look there'd be much of a game at all until midway through the 3rd quarter, when the Panthers of Patrick Henry held a commanding 24-10 lead. At that point the Mustangs charged back, and they came within three points before the home team solidified the win.
Coach Hoegh says: "I'm very proud of the way our guys fought back. That was a great comeback that showed how tough we can be mentally. This group had an outstanding season with some memorable moments and games, and that includes tonight."

A Game: Patrick Henry hosted Memorial in a match-up of two teams with just one loss - a contest that would decide which one would have the best record in the city. The Panthers got out to a hot start, and Memorial found themselves down by 8 to 10 points for most of the first three quarters. Memorial took command in the decisive 4th quarter, turning a nine point deficit into an 8-point victory.
Coach Hoegh says: "That was something else. It was probably the biggest game of the year, and our guys came through when it counted the most. Every single one of our guys made a huge impact in the game. It was great to see our guys play so well together - their best ball of the season - when they could easily have gotten down. Resiliency is such an important quality, and Memorial had it tonight. I had a great time coaching these players - on each team - and I hope they have success for the rest of the school year."

3/8/12

Mustangs notch two more victories

B Game: Memorial was able to defeat Whittier 48-15 in the first game. The Mustangs were able to establish a large edge in several facets of the game, including rebounding and turnovers. It was the last home game of the year for the Mustangs, and the win extended the B Team's winning streak to six games.
Coach Hoegh says: "We got a lot of guys involved offensively, and had some really good ball movement. Diante and Cole led us in a huge scoring 2nd quarter. We have one more game, and our plan is to play as hard as we can to get that last game."

A Game: The Mustangs stayed hot in the second game, defeating Whittier 51-36. The team used a balanced scoring attack and a dominant 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach. Nine different Mustangs scored in the contest.
Coach Hoegh says: "We've got a really good team and our record shows that, but these guys have a drive to get better. We'll need to do the seemingly 'little things', like setting good screens, boxing out, eliminating turnovers, etc., in order to win our last game on Monday. I think we all believe it can (and will) happen."

Mustangs complete season sweep of Edison

B Game: Memorial used a dominant start to defeat Edison 46-21 in action on Tuesday night. Many Mustang players were at their best in their second-to-last home game of the season. Ten different players scored in the game, and the defense refused to give up easy shots.
Coach Hoegh says: "We really came out of the gate well, and I think that was due to our emotional leaders on the team. Everybody was ready to go. I hope we can continue to peak as the end of the season draws near."

A Game: The Memorial Mustangs survived in the second game, winning the game by a score of 54-33. The game was more competitive than the final score suggested, but Memorial took complete command of the game in second half. The game featured a wild pace in the 2nd quarter, and then the Mustangs flexed some defensive muscle in the 3rd quarter.
Coach Hoegh says: "Edison can be a scary team to play if you're on your heels. Give our guys credit for turning it on in the last few quarters. With a deep bench, we have to be aggressive every single second when we're on the court. The guys are awfully fun to watch when we can get rebounds and loose balls that lead to fast break opportunities."

3/4/12

Memorial sweeps season series with O'Gorman with two more thrillers

B Game: In the first game of the night, the Mustangs used a huge 4th quarter to take the game by a final score of 23-20. Memorial scored most of their total points in the decisive frame. Alex D and Kyle G paced the team in scoring, but the whole team contributed to the victory.
Coach Hoegh says: "We got a little too comfortable with a small lead in the first half, and failed to put the "pedal to the metal" when we could have. Then, in the second half, we played the aggressive game that we need to play. Our guys came through when it counted."

A Game: The Mustangs prevailed in dramatic fashion in the second game, downing O'Gorman 66-63 in triple overtime. The game went back and forth for the game's entirety, and each team had to overcome late deficits at different times (regulation and the overtimes) just to stay alive. Austin B scored 22 points to lead the team offensively.
Coach Hoegh says: "Holy cow... that was crazy. This game featured some awesome stuff. Kaedyn B made a huge coast-to-coast layup to keep us alive in the first overtime. Austin B obviously had a clutch game. Davis J played about as well as anyone could have played - defending several positions, scoring, rebounding - he did it all. We needed the huge efforts that we got from everybody tonight. That was heart-wrenching and fun at the same time."

2/29/12

Mustangs take two from Whittier

A Game: Memorial notched a win in the opening game by a wide margin. It was the first time that the teams had met this season, and the Mustangs took control from the get-go. Offensively, the visitors were able to get what they wanted, when they wanted it.
Coach Hoegh says: "This can be a tough place to play, but our guys were ready to go as usual. Thane H set a good tone for our offense, and Isaac N continues to play really good, consistent basketball. We have another game on Friday, in another challenging place to play. It should be fun."

B Game: The Mustangs continued their strong play in the second game, defeating Whittier 43-18. Memorial used a balance scoring attack on offense, while causing a lot of turnovers on defense. The game was highlighted by several unselfish passes that led to scores by the visiting Mustangs.
Coach Hoegh says: "As always, there are some things we need to improve on - boxing out and fighting through screens come to mind -- but we played very well today. Justin A did a great job of getting us into our offense, and Karraye R had a nice floor game. Hopefully we can finish this week off the right way on Friday."

Mustangs split with Patrick Henry

A Game: Memorial hosted Patrick Henry in a battle of undefeated teams, but fell short in an extremely competitive atmosphere. The Mustangs got off to a very slow start and trailed at halftime, 27-12. Memorial charged back in the 3rd and 4th quarter, coming within four points, but could not finish off the comeback. The two teams meet again in the last game of the season.
Coach Hoegh says: "The poor start hurt, and we lacked some intensity in the beginning. I am proud of how we came back. As I told the guys after the game, losses will make teams worse or they can make them better - it's our choice. If we point fingers at others, we'll get worse. If we come together as a team, there's no question in my mind that we'll be better because of it.

B Game: The Mustangs were able to exert their will in the second game, defeating Patrick Henry 45-34. Memorial used a great start, and dominated the contest offensively and defensively for the first three quarters. Patrick made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter before the Mustangs again took a stranglehold of the game.
Coach Hoegh says: "We absolutely played our best game of the season. Our guys played solid team D, and we were able to finish a ton of great plays on offense, too. Sam G was relentless on both sides of the court, and Dalton G had some nice finishes in the post. I hope that we can build on this win, and continue to play the way we did tonight.

2/23/12

Mustangs come away with two victories at Edison

A Game: The Mustangs used a strong defensive first half to get the opening game at Edison. The visiting team maintained defensive intensity for the game's entirety to win 50-20. The Mustangs also took care of the ball well, and scored many points on offensive rebounds and post entries.
Coach Hoegh says: "We played a really nice team game today. I thought Austin K, Alex F, and Davis J led the way with their defensive intensity and help on that end. Carter C got a lot of buckets by hustling for loose balls and rebounds, like he always does. The whole team was fun to watch today."

B Game: Memorial took early control in the second game of the night, defeating Edison 54-23. The Mustangs caused a lot of turnovers for the opposition, which led to some easy baskets on offense. Despite committing nearly 20 fouls in the game, Memorial showed enough determination to win other phases of the game.
Coach Hoegh says: "It was nice to see our posts, Andrew J and Dalton G, finish as well as they did today. Alex D made some sweet plays for himself and others. Flynn Y made some impressive hustle plays as well. Nice job, team. We have three games next week, so that will be a big test for us."

2/8/12

Memorial splits with visiting Brandon Valley

A Game: The Mustangs defeated the Lynx 53-47 to take the first game of the night. Fans of offensive basketball were not disappointed with what they witnessed at Memorial's gym as both teams hit shot after shot in a true basketball battle. Memorial had a slim lead after each quarter of play, and then took control of the game late in the 4th quarter. The opposing team hit six three pointers, many of them with a high degree of difficulty, but the Mustangs were strong enough to answer each time.
Coach Hoegh says: "This was a fun, physical game. They hit some really tough shots and so did we. Our posts took control on the offensive boards, and our guards really ran the show nicely at the end."

B Game: The visiting Lynx won the second game of the night, 26-22. The athleticism and will of both teams led to an intense contest. It was the second in three games that the B Team played in a game that went down to the wire.
Coach Hoegh says: "We showed some mental toughness to keep coming back like we did. We just couldn't quite get over the hump to complete the comeback. Basketball is a great game where any one play can make the difference. Everyone was trying their best to make that play, but it never came. If we all believe this can make us better, it will."

2/4/12

Mustangs take two from Axtell Park

A Game: Memorial got out to an early lead and never looked back, winning the game 54-13. The wide margin was the result of stifling team defense which led to many fast-break opportunities. Ball movement and unselfish play also helped the Mustangs pull away.
Coach Hoegh says: "Our guys were really fun to watch today. They were scrappy on defense, and Piercen E made some awesome passes. Plays like that get everybody involved, and that's when we're at our best. Austin B did a solid Kevin Love impression, too, scoring and rebounding like he did. As always, we still need to get better at some facets of the game, and our guys know that. We'll be looking forward to our games and practices next week."

B Game: The Mustangs notched another victory in the second game, defeating Axtell Park 40-11. The game was a scoreless tie until midway through the first quarter, when the figurative lid on top of the hoop came off for good. Ten different players scored for the home team, led by Sam G's nine points.
Coach Hoegh says: "I have a lot of trust in this team so far. You can't expect every decision on the court to be a good one, but our team made a ton of good decisions today. Garrett P made some seriously athletic defensive plays, and Diante D had a great floor game getting himself and others in spots to score. Anytime that ten different players score for us, that's a good sign."  

2/2/12

Mustangs win first two games with style

Memorial began the 2012 slate of games with O'Gorman, coming out victorious in the A and B games.

A Game: After a quick start, the A team found themselves behind by three at halftime. They found their stride offensively in the second half, and pulled away from the visitors at the end to win 42-35. Aluong K. scored all of his 12 points in the second half, and the Mustang squad got some key steals at the end to ensure victory.
Coach Hoegh says: "We definitely showed some mental toughness and grit to pull this one out. I thought Kaedyn B gave us a real spark defensively that we all needed. This was a fun one, but there are some things we need to improve on before our next game. We plan on doing just that."

B Game: The second game of the night was a see-saw battle that featured multiple lead changes in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs won the game 33-31 on a go-ahead three-pointer from Kyle G with only 5 seconds left. Memorial got key contributions from many players, and executed some great plays during a wide open game.
Coach Hoegh says: "The B Game was memorable for a variety of reasons. I hope Kyle G remembers that game-winner for a long time. Other things were awesome, too. I've never seen somebody foul out as fast as Cole Z did - about 4 minutes - and he still scored 6 points! Payton B did a great job of rebounding for us. It's exciting to be a part of those games, when both teams are working so hard. Hopefully we can continue that trend."