Rising to the Top

MYAS Rising Stars event grows in popularity

By Wally Langfellow

Late January and February traditionally is the time of year for all-star games as the NBA, NHL and NFL celebrate their sport’s top stars. Thanks to MYAS, the month of March has now become the time for the top youth basketball players from across the state of Minnesota to show off their skills.

Now in its 8th year, the Rising Stars Showcase features up to 32 players per grade per division from 4th grade through 8th grade. Last year there were 759 participants in what has turned out to be one of the feature events of the year in youth basketball.

Chad Mell, who has been coaching youth basketball for the past 20 years, loves the concept and the format of the Rising Stars Showcase. “ It’s fun to see kids play with other kids that are at the next level. So it’s high end. It also gives us an observation of how hard you have to work to be a student athlete.”

Here’s how it works: Coaches from across the state can nominate up to 3 players from their team for the Rising Stars Showcase. Players from the same traveling team are placed on the same “Rising Stars” team with a maximum of 8 players put on each squad. There are A, B and C division teams,  with nominated players from each division placed accordingly. Each team will then get three games at the tournament which will take place on March 21 at various metro area locations. 

Foes become friends

Another aspect that coaches and players have fallen in love with is the camaraderie that is built as a result of playing with players from other teams and organizations.  “It’s a way for the kids to play with kids from other communities” says Mell. “ In fact, one of the kids from Rogers, played with this kid from South Minneapolis and they became friends, best friends and now they hang out with each other.”

Mike Stern, who coaches girls basketball in the Osseo-Maple Grove program says that Rising Stars is a great event because it brings the basketball community closer together. “I’ve had players say that it was fun to meet those they’ve got to know through competition, and to get a chance to team up for a day.  Then when they meet up next season they’ve got a connection that runs a little deeper than the game.”

Chris Hutton, a longtime youth coach in Hutchinson says his players and families have had a similar experience with Rising Stars. “One of my parents that came with the one time wanted to know why there wasn’t a couple players from every school in the state there” said Hutton. “They thought it was a great environment that players should have a chance to experience.”

Picking teams

In addition to meeting and competing with new people, part of the fun for the coaches is picking the players that they want representing their team. And it’s not always the super-talented that get chosen. 

 “I select the kids who hustle, work hard, and who regularly make an effort to improve their skills and game play in practice” says Stern.  “It’s nice recognition for these young athletes to get the chance to play and represent their travel association.”

Chad Mell has his own formula for picking his Rising Stars as he gets his coaches and players involved in what has become a fun process “The kids get a vote, and all of our coaches get a vote. But it’s not always the most talented one. I’m looking for a kid who busts his butt and comes to practice and works hard and excels.” 

Just one more reason that The Rising Stars Showcase is such a popular event. 

For more information on the Rising Stars Showcase click here