A Game: Memorial went across town, and came away with a 43-34 victory at Whittier. The home team got out to a fast start, while the Mustangs struggled to find a rhythm. They found it late in the 3rd quarter, and it continued through the end of the game. The win pushed the Mustangs to 4-1.
Coach's Comment: "I was wondering if we were ever going to turn the corner. We were quite stagnant on offense in the first half, but then we started getting the shots we wanted later in the game. Nathan D. did a good job of icing the game with free throws, and we all did a great job of eliminating second chances on defense."
B Game: The Mustangs fell to Whittier by the score of 40-29 in the second game of the day. The first half was a sloppy, see-saw battle that had several lead changes. The second half was controlled by the home team. Memorial's record moved to 3-2, with a match-up against O'Gorman coming up on Friday.
Coach's Comment: "We had some flashes of hustle today, but it was never sustained. They out-worked us, and that doesn't feel good. We have a team that loves to play basketball the right way, as hard as we can, so hopefully we can get the intensity back on Friday. I think we, myself included, forgot how fun this game is today."
3/1/11
Mustangs fall in first meeting with Patrick Henry
A Game: The Mustangs dropped their first game of the year, falling to Patrick Henry at home. Patrick got out to an early seven point lead, and was up by five at the half. Memorial got as close as three in the 3rd quarter, before Patrick pulled away once more.
Coach's Comment: "I thought we really played well for the first two-and-a-half quarters. We got some good looks that just didn't go through the hoop, and I think that the score affected how we played later in the game -- something that won't happen for the rest of the year. I still feel like we can beat anyone we play, and I'm glad we'll get the chance to play them later in the year."
Coach's Comment: "I thought we really played well for the first two-and-a-half quarters. We got some good looks that just didn't go through the hoop, and I think that the score affected how we played later in the game -- something that won't happen for the rest of the year. I still feel like we can beat anyone we play, and I'm glad we'll get the chance to play them later in the year."
B Game: After getting out to an early lead, Memorial lost to Patrick Henry 37-25. The momentum gained from the fast start was not sustained by the Mustangs in the second half. The game featured several runs for both teams, and Patrick took control in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs were led in scoring by Jackson P, who finished with 10 points.
Coach's Comment: "We really played well in the first quarter. It's too bad that we didn't take care of the ball as well for the rest of the game, but you can credit Patrick's defense a lot. We're going to learn and improve from being in this game, and I can't wait for our next one."
2/26/11
Memorial sweeps Edison in 1st Meeting
A Game Recap: The Mustangs pulled out a close one at Edison, with a final tally of 46-38. Edison took advantage of a quick start to hold a lead until the 2nd half. It was then that the Mustangs took control of the game, getting some key baskets from Matt L. and Tristan T. The game included some outstanding hustle plays, as both teams wanted badly to be the winner.
Coach's Comment: "It was quite an atmosphere at their place. Our guys did a great job of stepping up when it mattered. We needed a great 2nd half and we got it. Our posts were able to get some nice buckets using their quickness against their size, and I thought that Kyle L. and Manny C. battled well all game down low. The guards really stepped up the ball pressure starting in the 2nd quarter, and I think that was a turning point in the game. The Mustangs played hard today, and this is a great win to build on."
B Game Recap: In the second game of the night, Memorial defeated Edison by a margin of three, 36-33. Memorial led for the majority of the game, but it became very interesting in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs were led in scoring by Kyler M., Josh G., and Jackson P.
Coach's Comment: "Give Edison credit for making great plays in the 4th to get back in it. We weren't getting back on D with the sense of urgency we needed, but then we made the proper adjustments to pull the game out. Austin W. made a huge three late in the game. To be honest, I thought we should have held the ball to protect the lead, but he made a great play. Josh G. and Parker S. made some great offensive moves that led to points. Jon H. is not the biggest guy on the court, but he was a beast today. He was making great plays all over the court. This is a game where the team that gets the most loose balls and rebounds usually wins, and that is something we'll have to remember. "
Coach's Comment: "It was quite an atmosphere at their place. Our guys did a great job of stepping up when it mattered. We needed a great 2nd half and we got it. Our posts were able to get some nice buckets using their quickness against their size, and I thought that Kyle L. and Manny C. battled well all game down low. The guards really stepped up the ball pressure starting in the 2nd quarter, and I think that was a turning point in the game. The Mustangs played hard today, and this is a great win to build on."
B Game Recap: In the second game of the night, Memorial defeated Edison by a margin of three, 36-33. Memorial led for the majority of the game, but it became very interesting in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs were led in scoring by Kyler M., Josh G., and Jackson P.
Coach's Comment: "Give Edison credit for making great plays in the 4th to get back in it. We weren't getting back on D with the sense of urgency we needed, but then we made the proper adjustments to pull the game out. Austin W. made a huge three late in the game. To be honest, I thought we should have held the ball to protect the lead, but he made a great play. Josh G. and Parker S. made some great offensive moves that led to points. Jon H. is not the biggest guy on the court, but he was a beast today. He was making great plays all over the court. This is a game where the team that gets the most loose balls and rebounds usually wins, and that is something we'll have to remember. "
2/14/11
Mustangs = Road Warriors
A Game Recap: Memorial came out of the gate full-speed and never looked back, defeating Brandon in Brandon, 49-33. The hot-shooting Mustangs notched 33 of their 49 points in the first half, while only giving up 5 points in the same time-span. All eight Mustangs scored in the game. The Lynx mounted a comeback in the second half, but the game was never in doubt.
Coach's Comment: "We were a little bit unconscious in the first half. I don't think I've seen us shoot or play that well yet, even in practice. They didn't have an answer for Nathan D or Tristan T, and all eight guys were getting the ball to spots where we could score. I was much more impressed with our defense and boxing out in the first half than I was in the second half. Hopefully we can build on this game and improve, because all of the teams we play are going to get better as the season progresses."
B Game Recap: The Mustangs took out the Lynx in an "instant-classic" in the nightcap, 33 - 31. The Mustangs scored first, but did not get the lead back until a swished 10-footer by Isaiah B in the last minute of the 4th quarter. The majority of the game was played with Brandon holding a five- to ten-point cushion. The Mustangs charged back in the 4th quarter, turning an 8-point deficit into a 2-point victory.
Coach's Comment: "It's quite rare to have the lead for one minute the whole game, and actually win. It was awesome. We were hustling really well the whole game, without a whole lot to show for it in the first three quarters. It was one of those games where it didn't look like we'd have enough to get over the hump, getting within a couple of possessions several times only to have them stretch the lead back to 7-9 points. However, our guys kept coming at them. Kyler M had a great 4th quarter, offensively. Sawyer O and Cole B hit a couple of big shots, too. We had five different players make buckets in the 4th, and things really came together at the end. I told the guys to remember this game, and that we always have a chance if we continue to work hard."
Coach's Comment: "We were a little bit unconscious in the first half. I don't think I've seen us shoot or play that well yet, even in practice. They didn't have an answer for Nathan D or Tristan T, and all eight guys were getting the ball to spots where we could score. I was much more impressed with our defense and boxing out in the first half than I was in the second half. Hopefully we can build on this game and improve, because all of the teams we play are going to get better as the season progresses."
B Game Recap: The Mustangs took out the Lynx in an "instant-classic" in the nightcap, 33 - 31. The Mustangs scored first, but did not get the lead back until a swished 10-footer by Isaiah B in the last minute of the 4th quarter. The majority of the game was played with Brandon holding a five- to ten-point cushion. The Mustangs charged back in the 4th quarter, turning an 8-point deficit into a 2-point victory.
Coach's Comment: "It's quite rare to have the lead for one minute the whole game, and actually win. It was awesome. We were hustling really well the whole game, without a whole lot to show for it in the first three quarters. It was one of those games where it didn't look like we'd have enough to get over the hump, getting within a couple of possessions several times only to have them stretch the lead back to 7-9 points. However, our guys kept coming at them. Kyler M had a great 4th quarter, offensively. Sawyer O and Cole B hit a couple of big shots, too. We had five different players make buckets in the 4th, and things really came together at the end. I told the guys to remember this game, and that we always have a chance if we continue to work hard."
2/10/11
Memorial Defeats Axtell Park
A Game Recap: The Mustangs won the first game of the year by a wide margin, 52-17. After Axtell Park took an early 4-3 lead in the first quarter, the Memorial defense clamped down and held their opponents to 13 points the rest of the way. The Mustangs were sharp offensively, scoring at least 10 points in every quarter.
Coach's Comment: "It was fun to see the guys succeed in a game situation. Sean P and Matt L had really great 'floor games' -- helping teammates out on defense and getting some huge rebounds. Logan B and Jett T had some outstanding passes that resulted in points. They all played really hard, and I felt that we played quite well for it being our first game. There are definitely things that we'll need to improve on -- we need to space the floor better on offense, and deny cuts across the lane more frequently on defense -- but this team already had the goal of improving every day anyway. It was a fun first game."
B Game Recap: In the second game, Memorial defeated Axtell Park 35-18. It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Mustangs, and eight different players scored in the contest. This game was Memorial's first game of the season, after the first scheduled game was canceled.
Coach's Comment: "Our team did a nice job tonight. It was an important game, as many of our players haven't represented our school yet. Jon H and Austin R made some great plays on both sides of the court, and Jackson P had some impressive finishes on offense. I felt like we became more of a team throughout the game -- with 12 guys getting to play in every game, we're going to need the full support of everyone on the team, whether they are playing, sitting on the bench, injured, etc. We played with more intensity as the game moved on, which can be difficult to do sometimes when the score is not close. We do need to take better care of the ball, and that will be a priority all year.
Coach's Comment: "It was fun to see the guys succeed in a game situation. Sean P and Matt L had really great 'floor games' -- helping teammates out on defense and getting some huge rebounds. Logan B and Jett T had some outstanding passes that resulted in points. They all played really hard, and I felt that we played quite well for it being our first game. There are definitely things that we'll need to improve on -- we need to space the floor better on offense, and deny cuts across the lane more frequently on defense -- but this team already had the goal of improving every day anyway. It was a fun first game."
B Game Recap: In the second game, Memorial defeated Axtell Park 35-18. It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Mustangs, and eight different players scored in the contest. This game was Memorial's first game of the season, after the first scheduled game was canceled.
Coach's Comment: "Our team did a nice job tonight. It was an important game, as many of our players haven't represented our school yet. Jon H and Austin R made some great plays on both sides of the court, and Jackson P had some impressive finishes on offense. I felt like we became more of a team throughout the game -- with 12 guys getting to play in every game, we're going to need the full support of everyone on the team, whether they are playing, sitting on the bench, injured, etc. We played with more intensity as the game moved on, which can be difficult to do sometimes when the score is not close. We do need to take better care of the ball, and that will be a priority all year.
2/1/11
No Game
Our game versus O'Gorman, scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd, has been canceled. In case you have not heard, school is canceled on this day due to "dangerously low temperatures". If you get the chance to play some ball on your day off, have some fun honing your skills. Stay safe in the frigid weather, and I will see you on Thursday morning.
1/28/11
Wisconsin Swing
Here is an offense I would like us to learn. Sorry for the homework on the weekend.
If the video above does not work properly, this one should. (It is the same video.)
If the video above does not work properly, this one should. (It is the same video.)
1/18/11
Welcome Players and Parents
This is the website where you can view all things about 7th grade Memorial Middle School basketball, except for the games themselves. The upper right part of this page includes links to an updated calendar, the mission statement of the team, and the introductory letter. Posts will include other information, such as game recaps for the A and B teams.
3/22/10
Mustangs finish the season
B Game: Memorial fell to Patrick Henry in a home-and-away series in the last two games of the year. The game at Memorial was a terrific battle that saw huge runs from each team, with Patrick ultimately winning the game by six. The Mustangs were unable to muster as much energy the following day on the road, losing by a wide margin. Following the last game Coach Hoegh said "We hustled very well, but didn't have enough to take a really good team down. I thought that several players, including Tyler K, Sam D, and Connor H played a smart floor game." He added, "We have a group that works hard until the last horn goes off, and that trait will lead to continued improvement in the future. It was a fun group to coach, and hope that they continue to play a lot of basketball."
A Game: In their final meeting with Patrick Henry, the Mustangs lost in a thriller. Memorial used an outstanding 3rd quarter to take a three point lead into the 4th, but a suffocating press and some bad breaks did the scrappy Mustangs in. "We played an awesome game. This team has improved so much. They came to play, and I think we shocked them early. Our team was extremely aggressive in the 3rd quarter, and we were able to get to the free throw line a lot. I guess we didn't have quite enough juice to win the game. I am proud of the way our guys played basketball today, and for the whole season for that matter. I'm a big fan of each one of my players, and I hope that they continue to work hard and compete together."
A Game: In their final meeting with Patrick Henry, the Mustangs lost in a thriller. Memorial used an outstanding 3rd quarter to take a three point lead into the 4th, but a suffocating press and some bad breaks did the scrappy Mustangs in. "We played an awesome game. This team has improved so much. They came to play, and I think we shocked them early. Our team was extremely aggressive in the 3rd quarter, and we were able to get to the free throw line a lot. I guess we didn't have quite enough juice to win the game. I am proud of the way our guys played basketball today, and for the whole season for that matter. I'm a big fan of each one of my players, and I hope that they continue to work hard and compete together."
3/17/10
Mustangs take down Whittier
B Game: After a slow start, Memorial took control of the game, ultimately winning the game 45-26. It was a well-balanced attack for the Mustangs, as twelve different players scored in the game. Seven different players scored in an explosive 3rd quarter alone. Coach Hoegh said, "We played with a calm confidence that helped us prevail today. Grant Str. had a couple of outstanding passes, and Sam M. took great care of the ball when playing point guard, a position that he's not used to playing."
A Game: The defense for Memorial overwhelmed the visitors, and allowed the Mustangs to win 44-30. "It's the smartest defensive game that we've played", said Coach Hoegh after the game. The leading scorer for Whittier was held to just 4 points (none in the first half). "We shared the ball extremely well. Kolby S made some unselfish plays throughout the game. Tyler S had a great day, scoring 12 points. Ryan B had some of the best boxouts of the year for us. Corey B continued to play stifling, aggressive defense, and Tyler H was a huge presence on both ends of the court." Coach Hoegh added, "It hurt to lose Tyler H late in the game to a sprained ankle. He'll be missed for the last game."
Next Game: March 18 @ Patrick Henry
A Game: The defense for Memorial overwhelmed the visitors, and allowed the Mustangs to win 44-30. "It's the smartest defensive game that we've played", said Coach Hoegh after the game. The leading scorer for Whittier was held to just 4 points (none in the first half). "We shared the ball extremely well. Kolby S made some unselfish plays throughout the game. Tyler S had a great day, scoring 12 points. Ryan B had some of the best boxouts of the year for us. Corey B continued to play stifling, aggressive defense, and Tyler H was a huge presence on both ends of the court." Coach Hoegh added, "It hurt to lose Tyler H late in the game to a sprained ankle. He'll be missed for the last game."
Next Game: March 18 @ Patrick Henry
3/10/10
Memorial completes series sweep of Edison
B Game: After going down 10-4 in the first quarter, Memorial surged to a strong 38-25 win. The Mustangs were able to make some key defensive adjustments to limit the opposition's scoring opportunities. Austin C. led the second half scoring binge that allowed Memorial to take control of the game. "Ben H. was a monster on the boards today," Coach Hoegh added. "We didn't shoot the ball extremely well in the first quarter, but we all knew that if we kept getting good looks at the hoop that they would start to fall." The Mustangs moved their record to 4-4 going into the last week of the season.
A Game: In their highest scoring output of the season, Memorial defeated Edison 59-40 at home. Nine different players scored for the Mustangs, who pushed their win-loss record to 5-3. Taryn C. led the team in scoring with 19 points in just 15 minutes of play. "I don't know if we've even shot that well in practice before" added Coach Hoegh. "Everyone shot the ball with confidence, and we took care of business. Edison is a scary team to play against because they can score in a hurry themselves, so it was huge that we played with so much confidence today. I like the unselfish play that our team is exhibiting right now."
Next Game: Tuesday 3/16 vs. Whittier
A Game: In their highest scoring output of the season, Memorial defeated Edison 59-40 at home. Nine different players scored for the Mustangs, who pushed their win-loss record to 5-3. Taryn C. led the team in scoring with 19 points in just 15 minutes of play. "I don't know if we've even shot that well in practice before" added Coach Hoegh. "Everyone shot the ball with confidence, and we took care of business. Edison is a scary team to play against because they can score in a hurry themselves, so it was huge that we played with so much confidence today. I like the unselfish play that our team is exhibiting right now."
Next Game: Tuesday 3/16 vs. Whittier
Memorial teams edged by O'Gorman
B Game: In the opening game, O'Gorman prevailed 35-29. The Knights used intense ball pressure in the first half to force several uncharacteristic turnovers that led to points. However, the Mustangs used a furious comeback in the 4th to cut into the home team's lead. "I feel like our guys stepped up huge after getting down early..." shared Coach Hoegh "...It's too bad the game wasn't a few minutes longer. They beat us by 29 in our first meeting, and now the difference was six. Sam D. had an outstanding game offensively and defensively. Tyler K. also gave us a great amount of points, rebounds, and energy. We used to have a team, early in the year, that got down on themselves after mistakes. That team isn't there anymore. We now have a bunch of guys that refuse to quit."
A Game: In a see-saw battle of city powers, O'Gorman prevailed 37-34. The Mustangs came out firing on all cylinders, taking a 7-0 lead. However, the home team came right back, using a couple of offensive rebound put-backs to build an 11-9 first quarter lead. Memorial answered with some of its most inspired play of the season to take a slim lead going into the 4th quarter. In the final frame, O'Gorman hit several key outside shots that allowed them to maintain their undefeated record. Coach Hoegh concluded, "Despite the loss, I feel that this was the best game that we've played this year. Each one of our guys should be proud of how hard they played, and, even more importantly, how they played as a team. They had each others' backs out there. Pierce M. had a big-time performance. Kolby S. really made things happen, too. I could say the same for each guy on the team. It is too bad that we ended up losing the game, but we can build on this game to get better in the next."
Next Game: 3/10 vs. Edison
A Game: In a see-saw battle of city powers, O'Gorman prevailed 37-34. The Mustangs came out firing on all cylinders, taking a 7-0 lead. However, the home team came right back, using a couple of offensive rebound put-backs to build an 11-9 first quarter lead. Memorial answered with some of its most inspired play of the season to take a slim lead going into the 4th quarter. In the final frame, O'Gorman hit several key outside shots that allowed them to maintain their undefeated record. Coach Hoegh concluded, "Despite the loss, I feel that this was the best game that we've played this year. Each one of our guys should be proud of how hard they played, and, even more importantly, how they played as a team. They had each others' backs out there. Pierce M. had a big-time performance. Kolby S. really made things happen, too. I could say the same for each guy on the team. It is too bad that we ended up losing the game, but we can build on this game to get better in the next."
Next Game: 3/10 vs. Edison
Mustangs down Whittier
A Game: The Mustangs prevailed in a tight road game, 37-31, over Whittier. Neither team led by more than five until Memorial took control in the 4th quarter. "They had some good athletes that got us in a bit of foul trouble, but our guys had outstanding composure in the end," said Mr. Hoegh after the game. "Payton L. made some huge defensive stops in the 4th quarter, which was exactly what we needed at that point in the game. It allows us to get out and run, which is when we are at our best."
B Game: In yet another close game, the Mustangs were able to defeat the home team 32-27. The Mustangs got key hoops from Austin C., Kyle S., and Dan L. to help seal the win. "Our point guards did a great job of leading us on offense today. We ran the offense exactly the way we wanted to, and that led to some open shots."
Next Game: Monday 3/8 @ O'Gorman
B Game: In yet another close game, the Mustangs were able to defeat the home team 32-27. The Mustangs got key hoops from Austin C., Kyle S., and Dan L. to help seal the win. "Our point guards did a great job of leading us on offense today. We ran the offense exactly the way we wanted to, and that led to some open shots."
Next Game: Monday 3/8 @ O'Gorman
Memorial teams fall to Patrick Henry
A Game: Patrick Henry took charge in the first half, and the fast start allowed them to coast to a 48-34 win in these teams' first meeting. The Mustangs did manage to outscore the opponent in the second half, however, which suggests the next meeting might be closer. Coach Hoegh said that "Patrick played an excellent team game, and they were good enough passers to find the open man consistently. Our guys did a good job of coming back in the 3rd quarter, and we'll look forward to playing them later in the year."
B Game: Despite a late charge from the Mustangs, Patrick won the B Game 40-29. Memorial was able to execute well in the 4th, led by six points from Luke P. "We didn't have the right amount of energy needed to win this game. We need to be ready good offense and defense right away, and that didn't happen tonight. This team continues to improve, and I think there are some things we can do to initiate our offense and get good shots in our next meeting."
Next Game: Thursday 3/4 @ Whittier
B Game: Despite a late charge from the Mustangs, Patrick won the B Game 40-29. Memorial was able to execute well in the 4th, led by six points from Luke P. "We didn't have the right amount of energy needed to win this game. We need to be ready good offense and defense right away, and that didn't happen tonight. This team continues to improve, and I think there are some things we can do to initiate our offense and get good shots in our next meeting."
Next Game: Thursday 3/4 @ Whittier
3/7/10
Mustangs defeat Edison in first meeting
At Edison Middle School, both Memorial teams played their best games of the year so far.
A Game: The Mustangs prevailed in a nail-biter in the first game, 50-45. Edison had several chances to tie or take the lead in the last minute, but Memorial always made the key stop. The Mustangs iced the game by knocking down their free throws in the end. "The opposing team had some talented, athletic players and I'm proud of how our post players defended and rebounded against them." Coach Hoegh added. "Collectively, we played our best game of the season, and with hard work we'll continue to get better."
B Game: The Memorial B team took an early lead and never looked back, defeating Edison 39-24. The Mustangs were effective in all phases of the game. Coach Hoegh believed that "It all started with hustle. I wondered how our team would react to being on the road for the first time. Sometimes guys are timid in a new environment, but we didn't act that way at all. We were ready to play, and our guys got a lot of important rebounds and loose balls that allowed us to score."
Next game: March 1 vs. Patrick Henry
A Game: The Mustangs prevailed in a nail-biter in the first game, 50-45. Edison had several chances to tie or take the lead in the last minute, but Memorial always made the key stop. The Mustangs iced the game by knocking down their free throws in the end. "The opposing team had some talented, athletic players and I'm proud of how our post players defended and rebounded against them." Coach Hoegh added. "Collectively, we played our best game of the season, and with hard work we'll continue to get better."
B Game: The Memorial B team took an early lead and never looked back, defeating Edison 39-24. The Mustangs were effective in all phases of the game. Coach Hoegh believed that "It all started with hustle. I wondered how our team would react to being on the road for the first time. Sometimes guys are timid in a new environment, but we didn't act that way at all. We were ready to play, and our guys got a lot of important rebounds and loose balls that allowed us to score."
Next game: March 1 vs. Patrick Henry
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