Open Gym & San Diego Meeting Cancelled

Everyone,

Due to unexpected junior high band performances, we are unable to have both the open gym and the parent meeting for the San Diego trip this Thursday. Both MSJ's and Hopkin's gym will be utilized for the event. Sorry for any inconveniences caused. Let's reschedule the meeting for next Tuesday, May 22nd. Open gym will be at MSJ from 5-6:30, and the parent meeting will be from 6:30-7:00.Due to the late notice, please spread the word to each other!

Thanks,

Coach

Have You Signed Up For De La Salle Yet?

Ladies & Parents,

Just a reminder to sign up for the De La Salle Shooting Camp if you haven't done so already. They will only let players who sign up at least 2 weeks prior to the camp participate. There are many camps that De La Salle offers, but the shooting and defensive skills camps are the ones that we would most like to participate in as a team. **Hint: defense and shooting (along with speed) are going to be our strongest weapons in years to come. If you need a hard copy of the registration packet, see Coach Madsen. Or, you can get the application online at http://www.excelinbasketball.com/ This will be a great way to improve individual skills and get to know others that will be on the team! Talk to each other and plan to carpool.

Also, today we were just notified that the band needs to use the MSJ gym on Thursday, so we might have to have open gym at Hopkins for one more night. Please check your email in the next 2 days so that you will know when and where Thursday's open gym will be. Most likely it will be at Hopkins from 5-6:30---just waiting for confirmation. We are going to introduce the new JV coach and go over some San Diego trip details at that meeting, so please plan on attending.

Thanks,
Coach

Movie Night Moved to Saturday

As announced at Open Gym, our movie night will be moved from this Friday to Saturday night. Same time, same place. Bring $2 for pizza, cake and ice cream as we'll also be celebrating birthdays! See you then!

San Diego Announcements

Attention, all girls and parents who are planning on going to the San Diego Classic, we will have a mandatory meeting next Thursday, May 17th, at the end of open gym 4:30-5pm. There are several things that we need to discuss:

Travel-- Most of you who responded are going together with your families. There are a couple of girls who need rides, and parents who said that they could assist in transporting players to and from. We'll need to coordinate who will be going with who and coming back with who. (Players who need rides, come and talk to Coach Madsen to help make arrangements ASAP.)

Transporation-- Will be up to the individual family. On southwest.com there are still $49 1-way tickets available. If you want to fly, those tickets may fly, so act soon.

Housing-- We have a couple of different options for accommodations. Our travel agent strongly suggested that the we use Dorm Housing. SDSU dorms include 3 nights lodging for $115 per person. UCSD dorms include 3 nights lodgning and 8 meals for $205 per person. Dorms can accommodate athletes, parents, family and coaches. However, there are still hotels available. The average price of available hotels (that we have found so far) is around $125 per night. Any suggestions or other information that you have can be emailed to Coach Madsen at msjladyhoops@yahoo.com

Open Gym Location Change & Other Important Info

Attention everyone, just a note to let you know that the location of the next three open gyms will be the Hopkins gym. Though a bit smaller, we thought this location would be a better facility to use because of it proximity. The open gym dates and times will be Tuesday, May 8th 5-6:30 pm; Thursday May 10th 6-7:30pm; and Tuesday May 15th 5-6:30pm.

By the way, it was GREAT to see so much participation this last Thursday. With a lot of dedication and practice we'll go far! Like Coach Sakamoto said, winning starts in the off-season!
Also, girls--this Friday evening we're going to have a movie night at the Coach's house from 7-9pm. We'll have pizza and watch a girls' basketball documentary call "The Heart of the Game." Please bring $2, and be prepared to be a little cramped!

Parents, be sure to email Coach Madsen by this Tuesday on who is going to be able to help drive girls to San Diego. We'll need to start making travel and room arrangements.

Go WARRIORS!!!

Open Gym Begins!

Come one, come all....scratch that....come ten, come all! This Thursday May 3rd at MSJ from 5-6:30 pm. We're excited to have everyone, including the upcoming 8th and 9th graders back on the court after quite the break, (some longer than other!) Work on your game including dribbling and shooting, and then scrimmage to your heart's content. Spread the word, and bring any friends who also might be interested in playing.

Get on Board for Summer!

If all your focus has been occupied by wondering why Sanjaya is still on American Idol, you've missed a lot with the MSJ Lady Basketball Program. Here's a quick rundown:

#1 We've welcomed home Mission alum Doug Sakamoto, the newest member of our Varsity Coaching Staff. If you already know Coach Sakamoto, I don't need to tell you what a great step forward this is for our program. Those who don't just plan to show up this summer with a commitment to achieving your potential.

#2 The summer schedule is now posted (See the "Calendar" link to the right). If you know anyone who can dribble, run, dive, shoot, jump, or wants to learn any of the above; make sure they know about the MSJ Summer Program. Most girls can tell you that this is one of the most fun parts of the program; it's also where you'll learn everything you need to know for the regular season.

#3 One of the most exciting events in our summer program is the San Diego Classic from July 18 to 21. All players from entering ninth graders to returning seniors should sign up. We're planning to take two teams, and each team will play five games--So count on a lot of time getting to know your team both on off the court.

#4 Fees for the summer program ($100) and the San Diego Tournament ($75) are due by this Wednesday, April 4. Bring your check to Coach Madsen's office in the girl's locker room. *Important: If any girl is unable for any reason to pay the full amount, please come talk to Coach Madsen. While these funds are essential for running a successful program, they should not be a reason for any interested player to not participate.

#5 Open Gyms--a great chance to scrimmage, shoot around, and work on your individual skills--will start on May 4. Times and dates will be announced in the next month.

See you on the court!