OSSEO, MINNESOTA - The 2023-2024 MYAS winter travel basketball season came to a close this past weekend with the annual MYAS Rising Stars Showcase. The Showcase allowed some of Minnesota’s best young talents a fun and unique opportunity to compete in an “all-star-like” event, composed of players from teams all across the state before heading into the AAU/spring season.

Youth coaches across all grade and division levels had the chance to nominate their athletes as Rising Stars. MYAS then used the hundreds of nominations to construct 52 girls’ teams and 72 boys’ teams of Rising Stars to play exhibition games this past Saturday. The athletes represented youth programs from every corner of the state.

Osseo High School and STMA High School/Middle School hosted the teams for the one-day showcase. Players arrived with their teammates early in the day and gathered for a 30-minute practice/meet-and-greet session before their exhibition games began. Many players also used this time to collect signatures from the other athletes on the commemorative basketballs they received as part of the player package.

The high level of quality was evident in the games up and down the divisions. Many of the contests were back-and-forth battles that came down to the final buzzer, a testament to the competitively balanced rosters created by MYAS. The close games in addition to the numerous athletes from the other teams who stood waiting for their next showcase around the edges of the courts created a palpable buzz in the gym that made for an exciting playing atmosphere.

But most importantly, while the environment was very competitive, it was also clear that the athletes, coaches, and parents alike were having a genuinely great time. The relaxed nature of the showcase created more smiles and laughs than your average basketball tournament. Fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship was on full display as regular-season rivals joined forces to become teammates for the day. Each athlete donned their own program’s jersey, representing their hometowns with pride.

The 2024 edition of the Rising Stars Showcase was once again another huge success for all parties. Many new friendships were formed and memories made at the Showcase as the sun set on another winter basketball season. We look forward to welcoming this event back again next season to create more of these moments.

We thank all the coaches, players, and parents for their participation in the MYAS Rising Stars Showcase and hope to see everyone again soon, whether it be on the MYAS Spring circuit or next winter!