Some Thoughts on our Mooseheart Game

Photo by Art Jessen '70

I rarely comment on individual North Shore games. But since I wrote so much about the Mooseheart team heading into Saturday, I am going to write one more post just giving people my thoughts on the day, the game, and the play.

It was definitely a big day at North Shore with one of our largest crowds ever for a Varsity Basketball game. It was nice to see many alums back for holiday break in attendance as well as a couple friends from our neighborhood team -- New Trier Boys Basketball. The number one reason why I got involved in high school and middle school education and athletics is how important these institutions are for community building. Win or lose, I knew this was going to be a great day for our community, and I felt for Mooseheart too as they brought a large contingent of fans as well.

Photo by Art Jessen'70

Although the Raiders lost 57-42, it was a terrific game. Outside of one four minute period at the end of the 2nd Quarter, we played Mooseheart evenly. Unfortunately, with about 4:30 left in the half and the Raiders up 25-23, senior Riley Hall was called for his third foul. Riley had played brilliantly up to that point as had other Raiders. But with him on the sideline for the last four minutes of the half, Mooseheart seemed to be able to take advantage of the line-up change. To end the half, the Mooseheart Red Ramblers went on a 15-0 run and led 38-25 at the half.

Photo by Art Jessen '70

Our Raiders continued to have some offensive issues well into the second half. They were able to battle back to within 11 points with less than 4 minutes to go in the game. But that 15 point run was the difference maker in the game as 15 points was the margin of victory. North Shore had a poor night shooting the basketball overall, and there were a fair amount of what-ifs on our side once the game ended. But despite all the would'ves and could'ves, I was proud the way our Raiders played ... very, VERY, Hard.

Now for Mooseheart.

How good are these players from Sudan? From my perspective, I would say better than we expected.

As I said in an earlier post, in basketball if you're 5'7" you have to prove you can play. If you're 6'7" you have to prove you can't. All three of these boys can play, and they are complimented by a number of other strong basketball players. What was especially interesting to me is how fluidly the Sudanese players moved. One North Shore spectator said to me, they did not seem so big. I attribute that to the fact that they moved so well. I think we expect in our communities to see men 6'8" or above to be a little awkward or stiff and definitely not too fast. In no way were any of the three players awkward or stiff, and they were quite quick.

Previous to our game, there was at least one report that said these boys had only recently picked up basketball. Again, there was a lot of debate on that issue among our contingent after the game. It seemed clear to some of us that the two leading scorers from Mooseheart -- 6'7" Mangisto Deng and 6'10" Makour Pou -- could not have picked up all of their moves without some regular basketball over a number of years. 7'1" Akim Nyang seemed a little less experienced. But one factor I think we forget about these graceful athletes is that their first game was likely soccer. I think it may be likely that soccer play has helped them develop overall movement efficiency.

Is this Mooseheart team a state championship team? From my experience watching the state championship series all the way until the end last year, I would say Mooseheart has the talent to win it all. But high school basketball is not just about the talent. Talent is necessary to give you a shot, but I would argue that there are intangibles that make the difference for most state championship teams.

The key to how successful Mooseheart will be in state tournament competition will, I believe, be based on two factors. First, will the team get along and accept roles. I think this was the biggest reason for our success last year. We did that. There was no in fighting. Teammates liked each other. I have seen numerous talented high school teams fail to reach their potential due to internal division over a very long season.

Second, will Mooseheart be able to peak at the end of the season. Peaking your team at the end of the season means playing your best basketball at the end of the season.  There is no secret formula for this. Peaking is part of the coaching art. High school basketball is the longest season of the year starting in early November and extending until early March if you are successful. How a coach gets their team to play their best at a time of the year when one loss means your season is over is not an easy task.

It will be interesting to follow Mooseheart this season now that we have played them. I found the Sudanese players to be gentlemen. Although, I met them last February, I am sure they do not remember me. But when I saw them in the hallway, all three looked me in the eye and said hello. Although, they played hard too, these very large boys were polite and mannerly -- a real tribute to their families, their country and to Mooseheart as well.

Mooseheart is an IHSA Class A Basketball team and North Shore is Class 2A. So there is no way to match-up against each other again this year. Good luck Mooseheart. We will be cheering for you. Hope we both make it to Peoria in March!