We want to thank you for taking the time to learn about our organization. We believe in developing basketball players and quality people. We started the organization during the summer of 2007. After we had competed in our season, we had a vision of what we wanted to accomplish and the direction we wanted to go. Our program has continued to grow from 15 players involved in program in 2009 to having 47 players involved in our program in 2011 throughout the spring and summer months. Each year our teams compete in 6-8 events from Kansas City to Milwaukee to Sioux Falls. We have had multiple players that have continued or will be continuing their athletic successes at the college level including several players that recently signed for high level NCAA Div II Programs.
We typically compete very well in our region and often compete in Gold and Platinum brackets on National Level tournaments. Our players develop great relationships within the team throughout the spring and summer while getting a chance to compete against some of the best players in the country. It is our goal to give the best players from throughout our area an equal opportunity to play as one team and showcase their talent to numerous college coaches throughout the summer so that every player that has a goal of playing at the next level has the opportunity to be recognized as well as improve their skills.
As a coaching staff, we have a passion and love for the game of basketball along with a priority of developing leaders on and off the basketball floor. There is so much talent our area, and a lot of it goes unseen at the college level. From 1998-2009, Southwest Minnesota has had a team in the Class A State Semi-Finals every year, In the Championship Game for 10 of 11 years, and won the State Title 8 out of the last 10 Championship Games. We have had a great display of Talent at the Class A, AA, & AAA Level’s as well, and it is our desire for these players to use their talent to compete a National Level.
We have invested a lot of time and effort into our program each year and we intend on continuing to grow the quality of our organization for years to come by adding tournaments and coaching clinics for our players. It is our goal to make the program as affordable as possible and work with each individual based on financial needs.
We ask that every player and parent bring a positive attitude to the program. We are here to have fun, build friendships, and be the best that we can be at basketball. We are devoted and committed to putting together the best possible team for our organization. We expect the best effort every time you step in the gym. We always demand respect towards the coaches, parents, teammates and all others involved.
Our family has been involved with Stars for the past four years. We have traveled and played in many, many tournsnents. Be very careful when choosing an AAU program for your family. There are a lot of concerns about AAU basketball and we have seen so many programs that we would not allow our children to be part of. Stars is not about a group of individuals trying to get noticed - things are done in the right way which has proven to be very attractive to college coaches and if it is your child's goal, most of our 16s and 17s games have college coaches in attendance. In an effort to keep this short, there are two top reasons Stars is the right fit for us. Their practices are called "Developmental Sessions" because they are focused on improving skills. Practices are intense and challenging and both of my boys say they would never be playing at the level they are without these sessions with talented coaches. Second, you will hear me talk about Stars being the fit for our family - the program is focused on building relationships and developing the character of young men. If you are decision making about what program is right for your family, I'd love to chat! Angie Lance (mother of Trey and Bryce)
The SW MN Stars AAU basketball program is a must for any basketball player looking to take his ability to the next level. The practices/games/coaches/ and players have helped my son grow in all aspects of life. We were hesitant to join the first year with concerns of money, time, etc. It was one of the best decisions we (family/athlete) could have made. Our son will continue to be with the program and I recommend the Stars program to familues/athletes interested in taking it to the next level. I am also willing to talk to any parent that is thinking of having their son play for the Stars. Thank you! Tim Kirk---Athletic Director/Coach Mt. Lake Minnesota (507-380-2869).
We were very impressed with the way Ross and Ryan run their program. They care about the individual and teach not only great basketball development, but also build character in each player on and off the court. SW MN Stars stands alone in overall professionalism and is hands down the best AAU program in the tri state area. Scott, Michele, and Brett Peterson.
"When we were looking for an AAU program, we wanted 2 things; a highly competitive team, and coaches who cared about who our son was instead of just what he could do. We struck gold with the Stars! The coaches challenged the kids on the court, encouraged them off the court, and in the process their teams became a family. I would recommend the Stars to any parent concerned with integrity, strong Christian character, and helping their child succeed at the highest level." Tami Otterstatter
"As Parents, we anticipated the drill of intense practices and competitive tournaments as what we would expect an AAU team would offer our son. However, after the first practice we knew SW MN Stars coaching team had something different in mind. We were soon convinced the Christian based program was looking to nurture boys to become great young men on and off the court while instilling a sense of drive and determination and pushing them to excel to their potential as an athlete. Our experience with SW MN Stars was first class. Our son not only improved his basketball skills and level of play, but also his confidence and humility as a player and person. Honestly, competitiveness, playing to your level of ability and respect were always stressed by the coaches. Thanks to Ross and Ryan and the entire SW MN Stars coaching staff for a great experience. " John and Carla Lee - Dawson, MN
