It was a record-setting year at the MYAS Grade State Championships that wrapped up this past weekend with the 7th and 8th grade boys tournament. In all, 1,540 teams participated over three weekends in what has become the largest tournament of its kind anywhere in the country. The record-breaking year was made possible due to the increased awareness of MYAS programs and high participation in the various communities by families, coaches, and players across the state of Minnesota. Once again teams from across Minnesota participated in locations throughout the Twin Cities area last weekend at the Grade State Championships. Brad … Continue reading 2023: Another Record-Breaking MYAS Grade State Championship Season

by Paul Langfellow This past weekend MYAS hosted the Girls Grade State Championships grades 3-8 at 14 different sites, marking the 32nd year of the popular event featuring teams from across the state. The growth of the tournament has once again exceeded the previous year. Tom Paulson, White Bear Lake Boys Head Track Coach and host coordinator for the championships held at White Bear Lake High Schools’ South Campus, talked about the importance of the event as a key fundraiser. “This tournament is actually being run by the girls track team, they will be using this for buying clothing for team … Continue reading Girls MYAS Grade State provides comepetitive & fundraising opportunities

by Wally Langfellow photos by Garrett Super It was a celebration on many levels on Monday January 16th at Bloomington Kennedy High School.  Minnesota Youth Athletic Services’ 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day invitational basketball tournament brought 44 boys and girls youth teams from across the state together on a day where the famed American civil rights leader was honored across the country. Zumbrota-Mazeppa coach Jason Gill, whose 7th grade boys team won the 7/8th grade B/C tournament said “Playing in the tournament was a great way for the kids to give thought around why we celebrate MLK day.”  … Continue reading MYAS-MLK Day Invite draws top teams statewide

Story by Paul Langfellow and Wally Langfellow Photo gallery by Paul Langfellow It was a basketball bonanza on March 7 and 8, as 572 girls traveling teams from across Minnesota clashed in the 30th annual MYAS Girls Grade State Championships at 13 different locations. The tournament featured over 1100 games and is the largest of its kind for girls basketball, drawing more teams and players than any tournament throughout the season.   This year’s spectacle not only drew hundreds of teams and fans, but also served as an important  fundraiser benefiting many schools and youth programs. Doug Erlien, head girls basketball … Continue reading 572 Teams Come Together for Girls Grade State Championships

When it comes to youth basketball in Minnesota, the month of March  is known as “state tournament” time. The Grade State Championships for both boys and girls traveling teams take up the first two weekends of March, followed by the … Continue reading Rec State: Yet Another MYAS Gem

When the term “March Madness” came into being, it was generally in reference to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. And while that tournament is now at 68 teams, it pales in comparison to what MYAS has going with its own version of March Madness, the Grade State Basketball Championships..  Now in its 30th year, the Grade State basketball tournament is the largest tournament of its kind anywhere in the country and will again this year include over 1500 teams and 13 thousand players. Staggering numbers. “There are a variety of reasons for the continued growth of the tournament” said Eric … Continue reading March Madness – MYAS style: Grade State Basketball Championships

Story and Photos by Paul Langfellow                                       Photo Gallery Click Here On a day where the nation celebrated the life and legacy … Continue reading Basketball, Teamwork and Reflections of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

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 … Continue reading Rising to the Top