BASKETBALL MUCH MORE THAN JUST A GAME

Larry McKenzie, current head boys’ basketball coach at Minneapolis North, came out with a book in 2011 called “Basketball Much More Than Just A Game.”

 

I picked up a copy of the book at my local Washburn library. I was interested in the book so I began reading it.

 

For me, the book was an easy read. The book is 82 pages, broken up into 10 different chapters.

 

The book is not just for athletes or parents. I think that everyone would benefit from reading this book.

 

McKenzie does a good job of explaining how to get recruited to colleges and what steps a high school athlete can do to get the attention.

 

He talks about how his basketball teams prepares for different games and what he had to deal with as a coach through the regular season.

 

He also talks about his upbringing and what it took for him to get into coaching at what it took for him to get involved.

 

He also does a good job of explaining the role of family not only in his live but the role of family in the lives of the basketball players that he has coached.

 

McKenzie also talks about the AAU basketball circuit and the difference between grassroots basketball and AAU basketball teams.

 

The book also talks about the shoe companies and how money influences the game and the different aspects a basketball player has to face every day.

 

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to take a deeper look at the game of basketball.

 

“Larry A. McKenzie to be Head Boy’s Basketball coach at Minneapolis North High School of Arts and Communications.”

According to a press release sent out by Larry McKenzie:
 

Minneapolis, MN– May 10, 2013– A coach, educator, author and speaker, Larry McKenzie, the only coach to win four straight state titles in the 101-year history of the Minnesota State Boys Basketball tournament

Larry A. McKenzie most recently finished his fifth season, as the Head coach of Academy of Holy Angels, was formerly General Manager and Head Coach of the Minnesota Ripknees of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Prior to joining the Minnesota Ripknees, Coach McKenzie served as Head Coach for Minneapolis Patrick Henry Boy’s Basketball team for nine seasons.

In nine seasons, Coach McKenzie and his staff developed the Patriots into one of the nation’s top high school programs.

Under his leadership the Patriots went to six straight State tournaments, appeared in (5) finals and won four consecutive Class AAA State, five Region 5 AAA titles, three Twin Cities titles and six consecutive Minneapolis City Conference titles, finishing with an overall record of 202-34.

Just a few of Coach McKenzie’s many accolades include being named Section and Region Coach of the year three consecutive years: 1999, 2000, and 2001. In 2001 he was also named Class AAA Coach of the Year, and selected by the NFHSC as Minnesota Basketball Coach of the Year.

Coach McKenzie expressed excitement about working under the leadership of Dr.Shawn Harris-Berry and helping to restore the great traditions of North High basketball. Dr. Harris-Berry stated “our commitment is to assure that our students in the North Community High School of Arts and Communications are well prepared as global citizens through a rigorous academic program implementing the Institute for Student Achievement‘s Seven Guiding Principles. “

Dr Harris–Berry believes because of the small college preparatory school we get to know our students personally and Success is the Standard both academically and athletically.

For More information contact Charles Adam III or Kale Severson at (612) 668-1709"