I've been looking forward to this, but I think we can finally celebrate the end of the COVID hangover.

It appears we've bounced back, based on the volume of participation in youth sports in our programs this winter. In 1991, a total of 23 teams (15 boys’ and 8 girls’ teams) participated in the inaugural Minnesota Youth Athletic Services Grade State Championships. Now, we've got 645 girls’ teams, and 1,029 boys’ teams in the 34th annual MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships. It's not only the largest we've ever run, but it’s also the largest in Minnesota and possibly the nation!

However, sheer size isn't — and never was — our goal at MYAS. We want everyone to feel the buzz of March Mayhem, especially our amazing young athletes!

• Like Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson of MN Score Radio doing a live radio show from Champlin Park High School on February 24 and at Spring Lake Park High School on March 2, where they interviewed a variety of people. Included as interviewees were some of the host groups at those locations, who noted that they raise between $20,000-$30,000 each year for their high school-affiliated programs.
• Like the great stories of camaraderie we hear about from teams representing communities in greater Minnesota, and the parents who have enjoyed the tournament with different children over the course of multiple years.

We work hard to amplify and elevate the event so people are excited to take part, in whatever role that may be. We want the signage and drop banners to be informational and add to the grandiosity of the games.

We had strong participation from coaches who helped with the seeding process, as they highlighted their season resumes and provided their game results, and had the opportunity to seed the teams into the tournament. We had Selection Shows for each grade, which were really cool, and I think they did a tremendous job adding excitement and anticipation to the Grade State weekends!

On the girls’ side, we had 44 tiers, meaning 44 state champions were crowned, with the goal of creating an end-of-season experience for all the participating teams. To that end, of the 1,120 games played, 955 of those games were decided by 15 points or less. That proves that 85.3% of the games played were competitive!

We've gotten great feedback on the Rising Stars Grade School Basketball Showcase, where players are nominated from winter community-based teams representing member associations of the Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance. That means the players come from all over the state. Last year, we had 860 participants (girls and boys, grades four through eight). So that is another awesome way to bring the Minnesota youth basketball community together. On March 16, we'll have just under 1,000 kids participating. To add to their experience, there will be mini-basketballs that they can have signed by other players.

Having grown up in Nisswa, I'm mindful of the true representation of our great state, not just focusing on communities in and around the Twin Cities. Our intentionality to include programs from throughout the state certainly factors into the growing number of participating teams.

For our third-sixth-grade boys, the Grade State Championships on March 2-3, had 619 teams participating at 11 different locations. Our seventh and eighth-grade boys’ tournament on March 9-10 will feature 410 teams at seven locations.

Lastly, as I pause during this busy time for MYAS, I would be remiss if I did not thank my teammates. Most staff are helping with Grade State because it's such a large event, the crown jewel of community-based youth basketball, and we all strive to make it a great experience for participants and supporters alike. I marvel at the different gifts my teammates bring this time of year, from scheduling to operations and communication with tournament host groups, officials assignors, and external and part-time staff.

There are so many moving parts and, of course, there are hiccups and challenges that arise. But I am so proud of how graciously my MYAS teammates shift and adjust. Our office is currently overflowing with banners, apparel, awards, and tournament supplies throughout the hallways!

I am thankful to take a moment to reflect on so many positive things. If you have any feedback, don't hesitate to reach out to me. In the meantime, it's back to work!